Samaná, Dominican Republic – December 2, 2025 – Universal Aviation®, a global leader in business aviation ground support, and AERODOM®, part of the VINCI Airports network, today announced the official inauguration of a new, purpose-built FBO terminal at Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (El Catey – MDCY) in Samaná, Dominican Republic. The opening marks a significant milestone in the growth of premium business aviation infrastructure in one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing luxury destinations.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and industry leaders, including the Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Mr. Igor Rodríguez, and the President of the National Hotel & Tourism Association (ASONAHORES), Mr. Juan Bancalari.

This new facility becomes Universal Aviation’s third FBO in the Dominican Republic, joining existing locations at La Isabela International Airport (Santo Domingo) and Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata). Together, they strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading regional hub for private aviation.

“The private aviation sector in the Dominican Republic continues to show sustained growth, reflecting the economic dynamism and the country’s positioning as a high-value destination,” said Igor Rodríguez, Director General of IDAC. “Investments such as this new FBO further elevate the user experience with exceptional service and modern facilities that meet the highest international standards. The IDAC will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness and quality of the national aeronautical system.”

Universal Aviation Chairman Greg Evans emphasized the milestone for Universal’s presence in the country:

“At Universal Aviation, we are proud to have started our journey in the country only nine years ago in August of 2016, and are amazed to arrive where we are today – covering seven airports, handling thousands of flights, touching thousands of crews and passengers, and now adding this beautiful FBO here in Samaná as a jewel in the crown for all of us.”

Alexandra Malvezin, Chief Commercial Officer of AERODOM®, highlighted the facility’s strategic importance:

“With this new terminal, we reaffirm our commitment to the development of private and executive aviation in the Dominican Republic. This FBO places Samaná on par with the most exclusive international destinations, strengthening its tourism appeal and contributing to the economic growth of the entire northeastern region.”

A New Standard for Caribbean Executive Aviation

Designed by renowned architect Rubén Merette and constructed by Abbot Puig, the 300-square-meter facility was created to deliver an elevated, efficient, and private experience for business aviation travelers and crews.

Key features include:

Private passenger lounge and contemporary main hall
Panoramic terrace with coastal views
Onsite immigration and customs
Executive kitchen
Dedicated crew spaces and administrative offices
Energy-efficient, eco-friendly construction and technology aligned with VINCI Airports’ sustainability commitments

The FBO provides comprehensive services for private and business aircraft, including world-class ground handling, concierge support, valet parking, and executive catering.

Danilo Rosario Jiménez, General Director of Universal Aviation Dominican Republic, underscored the project’s long-term impact:

“This project symbolizes confidence in Samaná’s potential as a new hub for executive aviation in the Caribbean. With this terminal, we elevate service standards and consolidate Universal Aviation’s position as a leader in personalized attention, efficiency, and operational excellence.”

He noted that the new FBO not only enhances infrastructure but also supports the region through job creation, skills development, and the promotion of high-value tourism.

Strengthening the Dominican Republic’s Regional Leadership

The inauguration comes amid sustained growth in tourism and investment in Samaná, which has rapidly emerged as a sought-after destination for luxury travelers, resort developments, and real estate projects. The new FBO establishes Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport as a strategic gateway for premium tourism and private aviation in the Caribbean.

About Universal Aviation

Universal Aviation, an Evans Family Company, is one of the world’s largest and most respected networks of FBOs and ground handling providers, with more than 75 locations across over 20 countries. With a legacy in business aviation spanning more than 66 years, operators have long trusted the Universal brand to deliver seamless, reliable, and personalized support. Today, Universal Aviation builds on that heritage by setting new benchmarks in safety, service excellence, and a hospitality-driven approach that is redefining the future of business aviation ground support.

About AERODOM®

AERODOM holds the concession to operate six state-owned airports in the Dominican Republic through 2060 and is part of VINCI Airports, the world’s leading private airport operator. VINCI Airports manages more than 70 airports across 13 countries and was the first operator to commit to an international environmental strategy targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

Media Contact:

Ken Paynter

+1 (281) 630-3095

kpaynter@universalaviation.aero

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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