Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, launched a global certification program designed to recognize and distinguish ground handlers for meeting its safety, regulatory compliance and customer service standards. “The Universal Aviation Certified program is designed to be an extension of our global ground support network and global community and will be offered only to the very best of our preferred ground handling partners, which have demonstrated that they share our core values and commitment to exceeding our clients’ expectations on the ground,” said Universal international senior vice president Jonathan Howells.

Universal Aviation Certified member locations will adhere to all Universal Aviation ground handling safety, customer service and regulatory compliance standards, including compliance with international law such as the Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act. Recurrent training and regular audits will ensure compliance with these standards. Locations will display Universal Aviation Certified branding and signage but will maintain their own independent brand identities.

The first ground handlers to be Universal Aviation Certified locations include ACE FBO in Iceland; Aerohandlers in Malaysia; German Aviation Services; QAS Israel Ltd.; and FBO Aviasur in Chile.