Universal Aviation Inaugurates New FBO and GAT in Guadalajara (MMGL) ahead of 2026 World Cup

Marking A Major Milestone for Business Aviation in Western Mexico

GUADALAJARA, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Aviation, an Evans Aviation company, today announced the inauguration its new purpose-built FBO and General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Guadalajara International Airport (MMGL), marking a major new milestone for business aviation in one of Mexico’s most important and fastest-growing markets. The project was developed in partnership with AeroSafin and could not have happened without the support and vision of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), whose commitment to creating a dedicated area for general aviation made it possible to bring this facility to life and advance a shared effort to improve operations and elevate the overall experience at MMGL.

It’s expected to open for operations in the coming days.

Inaugurating Guadalajara’s First FBO

The new facility is the city’s first FBO dedicated to serving the business aviation community and represents a significant advancement in private aviation infrastructure for Guadalajara and the broader western Mexico region. The inauguration, held last Friday, welcomed guests from across the business aviation community, including both international and locally based operators, along with government officials, airport authorities, and senior 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, Evans Aviation, parent of Universal Aviation. “This investment is about more than opening a new facility. It is about strengthening our long-term commitment to Mexico, elevating the ground experience, and building the kind of modern, high-capability platform that supports the future of business aviation in this market. 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 through a shared effort to improve operations and raise the standard for business aviation in Guadalajara.”

A Modern Facility Built for Business Aviation

Spanning approximately 362,000 sq. ft. (33,658 m²), the new Guadalajara development includes a 51,700 sq. ft. / 5,000 m² private aviation hangar capable of accommodating aircraft up to a BBJ 737, along with a 22,000 sq. ft. double-height passenger terminal featuring onsite CIQ, VIP lounges, crew rest areas, conference rooms, covered drop-off, and secure parking with EV charging.

The hangar itself includes direct taxiway access, three airside access points, 24/7 aircraft access, and a column-free span designed to support efficient aircraft movement and day-to-day operational flexibility. The facility was developed to serve both transient missions and longer-term basing, giving operators in western Mexico access to a more modern, more capable, and more refined operating environment.

The facility is also home to an Air Culinaire Worldwide® kitchen based at the FBO, extending high-end in-flight catering support across the Guadalajara business aviation market through a globally recognized catering network.

Built with Security, Control, and Confidence in Mind

A key strength of the new Guadalajara facility is its highly controlled operating environment for aircraft, passengers, crew, vehicles, and tenant activity. Security features include perimeter fencing, controlled access gates, full CCTV coverage, secure vehicle parking, visitor management procedures, and coordination with local police and airport security. Together, these features create a secure, modern environment suited to the expectations of today’s operators, whether they are making a quick technical or business stop or basing an aircraft and team at the facility for longer-term operations.

Designed for Both Transient and Based Operators

Universal Aviation Guadalajara was developed to serve both transient operators seeking a faster, more private, premium handling experience and tenant or based operators looking for a long-term home for aircraft and flight operations.

For transient users, the facility offers a more seamless arrival and departure flow with dedicated handling support, onsite customs and immigration facilitation, VIP processing capability, and exclusive access designed to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. For based operators, the facility offers a broader operating environment built around convenience, readiness, and long-term usability, including office leasing options, conference rooms, shared workstations, secure storage, passenger and crew lounges, quiet rooms, and 24/7 operations support.

“This facility was built to give operators, passengers, and crew a more private, more efficient, and more elevated experience on the ground,” said Adolfo Aragon, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Aviation. “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.”

A Strategic Investment in Mexico

Universal Aviation opened its first ground handling operation in Mexico in the late 1970s, and Mexico quickly became one of the foundational building blocks of what has grown into a global network of more than 75 locations across more than 20 countries. The Guadalajara opening is a clear expression of the company’s long-term commitment to the market and to continuing to elevate infrastructure, service, and operational support for business aviation in Mexico.

With global attention on the region ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the new facility positions Universal Aviation to support increasing demand with a premium new option for operators, passengers, and crews. Advanced FBO bookings for the upcoming World Cup have already begun, and operators are encouraged to make their reservations as soon as their schedule is known.

Learn more by visiting the FBO’s website: https://www.universalaviation.aero/locations/mexico/guadalajara-mmgl/

About Universal Aviation

Universal Aviation, an Evans Aviation Company, provides dedicated ground support for business aircraft through a global network of GATs, FBOs, ground handlers, supervisory agents, and VIP agents at 75+ locations across 20+ countries. Backed by over 66 years of aviation excellence, Universal Aviation is trusted worldwide for its commitment to safety, compliance, and exceptional service—helping operators navigate the last 100 yards of every mission with confidence. Learn more at www.universalaviation.aero.