This includes all destinations where there is a Universal Aviation FBO Ground Services office and a majority of destinations where Universal has a Preferred Ground Handler named.
“Most countries, including the United States, now require a negative viral COVID-19 test for entry,” said Charlie Mularski, Sr. Vice President, International, Universal. “Finding a reliable and reputable testing provider when operating internationally is a huge challenge and area of risk. So we’re taking that burden off our customers. We’ve worked aggressively across our Universal Aviation FBO locations and our Preferred Ground Handler network to establish relationships and select COVID-19 testing providers our customers can rely on.”
Universal leveraged its vast international presence and resources to build a database of global testing providers at its most visited destinations to include:
- Provider name and information
- Types of tests available
- Mobile or onsite testing availability
- Turnaround times
- Costs
In addition, Universal’s Hotel Services team is working with major international hotel chains to identify hotels where COVID-19 testing can be facilitated.
“Even with the vaccine starting to roll out, testing will likely be a normal component of international operations for some time,” said Mularski. “At Universal, our main goal is to help our customers reduce their operating risk and navigate the continually-evolving regulatory environment so that they can enjoy safe and successful operations. We view that building this network of COVID-19 teting providers—and continuing to grow it—is critical to ensuring successful missions happen.”
Universal customers interested in information on testing providers should work directly with their Universal® Trip Support team and request a custom Universal® Feasibility Guide for detailed trip-trip intelligence for their destinations of interest.
Flight departments partner with Universal for one reason – they need their international missions to execute smoothly and successfully. And that’s what we help operators do best. With us, you’ll have access to the industry’s best expertise, global resources, information, and technologies to amplify your flight department’s capabilities, and we’ll work tirelessly with you to eliminate sources of risk and friction from your missions. That’s why we’re trusted to manage more global trip legs per year than anyone else and have been the industry leader in supporting international missions for over 65 years. By partnering with us and adding our capabilities to yours, you will be able to achieve more with your flight department than ever before.
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