Universal Weather and Aviation (Booth H325) has formed Universal Aviation Philippines, a joint venture with Asian Aerospace Corp. to manage the company’s FBO at Manila International Airport. Under the agreement, the newly-renovated facility will be rebranded as a Universal Aviation location starting in May, staffed by Universal employees, under the same procedures, protocols and training as the company’s other global locations.

It marks the Texas-based company’s first foothold in the Philippines and the seventh Asia Pacific country where it will provide aircraft ground handling, according to Charles Mularski, Universal’s regional vice president for the region. “We are continuing to strategically expand our Universal Aviation ground support network in the Asia Pacific region at challenging locations our clients frequently request,” he said. “As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the Philippines is also seeing rapid growth of business aviation.”

The FBO, which operates 24/7 has a hangar that can accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream G550, and is the only private aviation facility at the airport to offer both direct ramp-side and street-side access. The 5,276 sq m (56,790 sq ft) terminal has four passenger lounges and the crew-dedicated Philippine Clipper lounge on the second floor, which offers an airport ramp view along with a private pantry and shower facility.

On-site customs and immigrations clearance is available either planeside or in the terminal depending on time of day, with off-hour call-out available. “We’re bringing our know-how and network power to enhance their services and really open up a Western brand into that market,” Mularski told AIN.

While the name on the FBO will change, Asian Aerospace will continue to have a presence at the airport through its aircraft charter and MRO operations. The company also has hangars at Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport, which will have Universal ground handling personnel stationed as well under the joint venture, according to Mularski. Overall, Universal provides ground-handling services at more than 40 locations in 20 countries worldwide.