Universal Weather and Aviation (Booth W073) is hosting daily seminars here at EBACE to help operators plan trips during major events that typically draw large numbers of aircraft, such as the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. While the summer games will not occur for more than a year, Universal Aviation Brazil Operations Manager Marcia Taue stressed the importance of planning travel there now. Demand will be strong for slots parking and hotels, Taue said.

“More than 1,000 business aircraft are expected to operate to Rio for the games, putting a large strain on the local infrastructure and service providers,” she said. “Last year’s World Cup provided a good preview of some of the challenges operators will be facing.”

Universal will share some lessons learned from the World Cup to help prepare operators for anticipated regulatory restrictions and the need for contingencies should plans change. Universal noted that operators should consider the potential for a surge in business aviation traffic for the opening and closing ceremonies.

The seminars, which will begin at 11 a.m. each day of EBACE, will cover handling unexpected schedule changes, best hotels for events, whether to fuel on arrival, security needs and other potential requirements such as towbar use.