Universal Aviation has increased its ground-handling footprint in the Caribbean with the announcement of a new joint venture with M Jet, an FBO at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. This deal gives its Universal Weather and Aviation subsidiary a total of 36 ground-handling locations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We are delighted to be partnering with a brand that has such a pedigree within the aviation sector and which matches our commitment to excellence, which the M Jet brand has become synonymous with,” said M Jet executive chairman Mark Maloney. “In Universal, we have found a worthy partner to take the business to the next level.”

M Jet is open 24/7 with on-site customs and immigration clearance, passenger lounge, crew suite with showers, a 12-seat conference room, coffee bar, concierge, and dedicated pet quarantine, which is separate from the commercial terminal. The gated facility also features a private apron and 36,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of sheltering aircraft up to a BBJ or ACJ bizliner.

“Barbados continues to grow in popularity as a leisure destination for business aviation operators,” said Universal chairman Greg Evans, adding that it is “a strategic addition to our network.”