Business Aviation
Universal Aviation Opens New FBO at Guadalajara Airport Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Universal Aviation inaugurates a new FBO and General Aviation Terminal at Guadalajara Airport, enhancing private aviation services before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This article is based on an official press release from Universal Aviation via Business Wire.
Universal Aviation, an Evans Aviation company, has officially inaugurated its new purpose-built Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Guadalajara International Airports (MMGL). The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, April 17, 2026, marks a major milestone for business aviation in one of Mexico’s fastest-growing markets.
Developed in partnership with local charter operator AeroSafin and supported by airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the facility is the city’s first FBO exclusively dedicated to serving the business and private aviation community. According to the official press release, the terminal is expected to open for full operations in the coming days.
Arriving just months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the new infrastructure is designed to alleviate commercial terminal congestion and elevate the private aviation experience in western Mexico, catering to both transient missions and long-term basing.
Facility Specifications and Premium Amenities
A Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
The new Guadalajara development represents a massive infrastructure upgrade for the region, spanning a total footprint of approximately 362,000 square feet (33,658 square meters). According to the company’s announcement, the facility was built from the ground up to provide operators in western Mexico with a modern, highly capable operating environment.
At the heart of the development is a 51,700-square-foot (5,000-square-meter) column-free private aviation hangar. This expansive structure is capable of accommodating ultra-large business jets up to a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737. The hangar features direct taxiway access, three airside access points, and 24/7 aircraft access, ensuring efficient aircraft movement and day-to-day operational flexibility.
Passenger Terminal and Security
Complementing the hangar is a 22,000-square-foot double-height passenger terminal. A critical feature of this new terminal is its onsite Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) processing, which will expedite international arrivals and allow private flyers to bypass the main commercial terminal entirely.
The terminal is outfitted with VIP passenger lounges, dedicated crew rest areas, conference rooms, and a covered drop-off zone. Additionally, the facility offers 177 secure parking spaces equipped with EV charging stations. Security is tightly controlled, featuring perimeter fencing, controlled access gates, full CCTV coverage, and close coordination with local police and airport security forces. Furthermore, the FBO houses a dedicated kitchen operated by Air Culinaire Worldwide, providing premium, localized in-flight catering directly onsite.
Strategic Partnerships and Regional Impact
Collaboration with AeroSafin and GAP
The realization of this state-of-the-art facility relied heavily on strategic local partnerships. Universal Aviation partnered with AeroSafin, a Guadalajara-based private jet charter operator, to develop the FBO. The project also required the vision and support of GAP, the private operator of MMGL, which provided the land and integrated the dedicated general aviation zone into its broader airport master plan.
During the inauguration event, which welcomed international operators, government officials, and airport authorities, company leadership emphasized the strategic importance of the region.
“Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s most important business aviation markets, and we believe operators coming here should be welcomed by infrastructure that reflects the importance of the city and the standards they expect. This investment is about more than opening a new facility. It is about strengthening our long-term commitment to Mexico…”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro, who attended the inauguration, noted that the FBO will play a crucial role in meeting the surging demand for specialized aviation services from international visitors, particularly as the region prepares for global sporting events.
Broader Context: World Cup and Global Expansion
Preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The timing of the FBO’s opening is highly strategic. Guadalajara is one of three Mexican host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches scheduled at Estadio Akron. Industry data indicates that the tournament will bring an unprecedented volume of VIPs, corporate sponsors, and private jets to the region. By offering private CIQ processing, the new Universal Aviation facility will allow private operators to avoid the severe congestion anticipated at MMGL’s main commercial terminal during the event.
Universal Aviation’s Aggressive Growth
This inauguration is part of a broader, aggressive global infrastructure expansion by Universal Aviation. Driven by Chairman Greg Evans, the 66-year-old company is investing heavily ahead of anticipated demand. Alongside the Guadalajara project, Universal Aviation is simultaneously launching flagship operations in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam), constructing Spain’s first exclusive general aviation hangar in Madrid, and opening a new FBO in Samaná, Dominican Republic.
GAP’s Mega-Modernization Plan
The new FBO is a key component of GAP’s massive modernization efforts at MMGL, which is Mexico’s third-busiest airport. GAP is currently executing an estimated $387.5 million to $703 million modernization plan. To construct a much-needed second runway and a new Terminal 2, GAP relocated the airport’s legacy general aviation hangars. This strategic move created a new 101-hectare general aviation zone, providing Universal Aviation and AeroSafin the necessary space to build their cutting-edge facility.
AirPro News analysis
We view the opening of the Universal Aviation FBO at MMGL as a textbook example of private infrastructure investment aligning perfectly with macro-level demand drivers. The impending 2026 FIFA World Cup serves as an immediate catalyst, but the long-term value of this facility lies in Mexico’s growing prominence in nearshoring and international corporate travel. By integrating onsite CIQ and accommodating ultra-large business jets like the BBJ 737, Universal Aviation and GAP have effectively future-proofed Guadalajara’s private aviation capabilities. The logistical foresight to relocate general aviation to a dedicated 101-hectare zone not only clears the path for commercial expansion but establishes MMGL as a premier, frictionless entry point for high-net-worth and corporate traffic in Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the new Universal Aviation FBO in Guadalajara open?
The facility was officially inaugurated on Friday, April 17, 2026, and is expected to open for full operations in the coming days.
What size aircraft can the new hangar accommodate?
The 51,700-square-foot column-free hangar is designed to accommodate ultra-large business jets, up to and including a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737.
Does the new FBO have its own customs processing?
Yes, the 22,000-square-foot passenger terminal features onsite Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) processing to expedite international arrivals.
Sources:
Universal Aviation via Business Wire
Photo Credit: Universal Aviation
Business Aviation
Gulfstream Opens First On-Site Customer Support Office in Singapore
Gulfstream Aerospace opened a dedicated customer support office in Singapore on June 11, 2026, staffing it with eight professionals at Jet Aviation.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. established its first dedicated on-site Customer Support office in Singapore on June 11, 2026, embedding eight professionals at Jet Aviation’s facility to directly serve the growing Asia-Pacific business aviation market.
Announced in a company press release, the expansion builds upon Gulfstream’s existing footprint in the region. The new office aims to streamline service capabilities for operators across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which the manufacturer identified as a leading aerospace hub with increasing flight activity.
Regional support infrastructure
The Singapore office is staffed by eight Gulfstream customer support professionals. According to the company, this team will work alongside Jet Aviation to provide localized assistance and technical guidance to operators.
Lor Izzard, senior vice president of Gulfstream Customer Support, stated that the manufacturer is seeing increased activity across Asia, making Singapore a logical location for the expansion.
“Adding this dedicated on-site team allows us to deliver a more seamless and convenient service experience for customers across the region,” Izzard said.
The manufacturer currently maintains a 5,000-square-foot (465-square-meter) distribution center in Singapore. This facility houses an estimated $70 million in dedicated spare parts inventory and fulfills 70 percent of regional parts orders.
Broader Asia-Pacific expansion strategy
The establishment of the Singapore office is part of a wider strategy to capture and support market share in the Eastern Hemisphere. Gulfstream’s broader APAC support network includes nine Field Service Representatives and three Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST). Globally, the company operates six factory-authorized service centers and 10 authorized warranty facilities.
The customer support expansion follows a series of sales leadership appointments announced on June 8, 2026. Gulfstream named Marc Ghaly as division vice president of sales for the Europe, Middle-East, and Africa (EMEA) and APAC regions, alongside Jad Benhaïjoub as regional vice president of government sales for the same territories.
AirPro News analysis
We view Gulfstream’s decision to co-locate its customer support personnel with Jet Aviation as a practical leveraging of General Dynamics’ corporate umbrella, as both companies share the same parent organization. By embedding factory personnel directly at an established maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, Gulfstream can offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) oversight without the capital expenditure of building a standalone service center in a high-cost real estate market like Singapore. The concurrent restructuring of EMEA and APAC sales leadership suggests the manufacturer is positioning for a sustained sales push in the region, backed by the necessary aftermarket infrastructure to reassure prospective buyers.
Sources: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Photo Credit: Gulfstream
Business Aviation
ACASS Adds BBJ2 and Legacy 650 to Kenya Fleet
ACASS expands its African managed fleet with a Kenya-based Boeing BBJ2 and Embraer Legacy 650 for global charter.

Montreal-based aviation services provider ACASS has expanded its managed fleet in Africa with the addition of a Kenya-based Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) and an Embraer Legacy 650.
Announced in a press release on June 4, 2026, the two long-range Private-Jets are registered under the San Marino Aircraft Registry (T7). Both jets will soon be available for global charter operations to support rising demand for executive, head-of-state, and large-group intercontinental travel across the region.
Fleet expansion targets African charter demand
The introduction of the BBJ2 and Legacy 650 adds significant intercontinental range and passenger capacity to the ACASS portfolio. Operating out of Kenya positions the aircraft to serve both regional and long-haul requirements for VIP clients.
ACASS Chief Executive Officer Andre Khury highlighted the strategic nature of the fleet additions in the company’s June 4 statement.
“These additions reflect both the continued demand we are seeing in Africa and our commitment to providing flexible, high-quality aircraft management and charter solutions in the region,” Khury said.
Khury also noted the company’s decades of operational experience across the continent, emphasizing a focus on adapting to the evolving requirements of its charter and management clients.
Operational transparency and registry selection
Both newly managed aircraft operate under the San Marino T7 registration. The T7 registry is frequently utilized by international business aviation operators for its regulatory efficiency and strict adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety Standards.
The fleet expansion follows recent technology investments by the management firm. On February 11, 2026, ACASS integrated the MySky Spend management platform into its operations. The platform adoption was designed to increase financial transparency and streamline information access for aircraft owners.
AirPro News analysis
We view the placement of a BBJ2 and a Legacy 650 in Kenya as a calculated response to the distinct logistical realities of the African business aviation market. The continent’s vast geography and historically fragmented commercial airline networks create a strong use case for long-range, high-capacity business jets capable of direct intercontinental flights. By utilizing the San Marino registry, ACASS likely aims to streamline cross-border operations, regulatory compliance, and maintenance oversight, which can occasionally present challenges under certain local registries.
Sources: ACASS
Photo Credit: ACASS
Business Aviation
Flexjet Acquires The Jet Business, Names Varsano President
Flexjet acquires London brokerage The Jet Business, appointing founder Steve Varsano as President to strengthen fleet remarketing.

Fractional ownership provider Flexjet has acquired London-based aircraft brokerage and advisory firm The Jet Business, naming founder Steve Varsano as President of Flexjet and expanding the operator’s capabilities in whole aircraft sales and fleet lifecycle management.
Announced on June 12, 2026, the acquisitions merges The Jet Business with Flexjet’s existing FXSolutions brokerage under a unified platform. The transaction expands Flexjet’s footprint in the European market while providing the company with greater strategic control over the procurement, modernization, and remarketing of its global fleet of more than 340 aircraft.
Strategic fleet management and brokerage integration
The Jet Business will retain its brand identity and continue operating from its corporate jet showroom in London’s Mayfair district. For Flexjet, the acquisition provides an in-house mechanism to manage the transition of aging airframes out of its fractional fleet and optimize residual values.
In a press release detailing the acquisition, Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci emphasized the operational necessity of the deal for the company’s long-term fleet strategy.
“A core tenet of our luxury strategy is maintaining one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry. To do that effectively requires sophisticated capabilities around aircraft remarketing and transition planning,” Ricci stated.
Ricci added that the acquisition strengthens the company’s platform to move older aircraft out of the fleet gracefully while introducing next-generation aircraft into service for its fractional owners.
Clients of The Jet Business will gain access to a new suite of services branded as Flexjet Solutions. This offering includes aircraft operational support, pre-purchase inspections, maintenance infrastructure, Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response resources, and comprehensive aircraft management.
European expansion and leadership changes
As part of the acquisition, Steve Varsano assumes the role of President at Flexjet. Varsano has built a highly visible profile in the business aviation sector, operating a street-level showroom for corporate jets and amassing a social media audience that includes over 2.5 million followers on TikTok.
“We are well aligned in our belief that clients, at the very top of this market, are seeking far more than access to aircraft. They want trusted solutions that are designed around their needs, delivered by experts, and presented in style,” Varsano said regarding the merger.
The acquisition aligns with Flexjet’s ongoing infrastructure investments in the European market. The company recently opened a Tactical Control Center at Farnborough Airport (FAB) in the United Kingdom. Later in the summer of 2026, Flexjet plans to open a new private terminal at Farnborough, marking its largest infrastructure project outside the United States.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed by either party.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a textbook example of vertical integration in the business aviation sector. Operating a fractional fleet of over 340 aircraft requires a constant, capital-intensive cycle of fleet renewal. By bringing a high-profile brokerage in-house, Flexjet secures a dedicated channel to remarket its older airframes, streamlining the transition process and keeping its core fractional fleet young. Tapping into Varsano’s extensive network of ultra-high-net-worth individuals also provides Flexjet with a direct pipeline to convert whole-aircraft buyers into fractional owners, or vice versa, depending on their changing operational needs.
Sources: Flexjet
Photo Credit: Flexjet
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