Universal Aviation has inaugurated its new FBO and general aviation terminal at Guadalajara International Airport (MMGL), the city’s first dedicated business aviation facility, with operations expected to begin in the coming days.
The facility, developed in partnership with AeroSafin and with the support of airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), spans approximately 362,000sq ft (33,658sq m). It includes a 51,700sq ft (5,000sq m) hangar capable of accommodating aircraft up to a BBJ 737, with direct taxiway access, three airside access points and a column-free span. A 22,000sq ft (2,044sq m) double-height passenger terminal features on-site customs and immigration, VIP lounges, crew rest areas, conference rooms, covered drop-off and secure parking with EV charging stations.
The FBO is designed to serve both transient and based operators, with office leasing options, shared workstations, secure storage, quiet rooms and 24/7 operations support. An Air Culinaire Worldwide kitchen is also based at the facility, providing in-flight catering support.
The inauguration was attended by guests from across the business aviation community, government officials and regional leaders including the Governor of Jalisco.
“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,” said Greg Evans, managing principal of Evans Aviation, parent company of Universal Aviation. “We are also grateful to GAP for its vision in creating a dedicated area for general aviation and for its support in making this project possible.”
Adolfo Aragon, CEO of Universal Aviation, said: “This facility was built to give operators, passengers and crew a more private, more efficient and more elevated experience on the ground. It is a modern, secure, purpose-built environment designed not only for exceptional transient handling, but also to support tenant and based operators with the infrastructure, amenities and operational advantages they need over the long term.”
The Guadalajara opening is part of a broader expansion that includes Universal Aviation’s first operations in Saudi Arabia, with facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam marking the company’s entry into the Middle East. A general aviation hangar in Madrid, described as Spain’s first dedicated GA facility, is on track for completion in the second half of 2026, while an FBO in Samana, Dominican Republic, is also nearing completion.
Universal Aviation first began ground handling operations in Mexico in the late 1970s and now operates more than 75 locations across more than 20 countries. With the FIFA World Cup approaching, the company said advance FBO bookings for the Guadalajara facility have already begun.
