Universal Aviation expands in Portugal and Cape Verde with network integration

Key Takeaways

• Universal Aviation integrated Safeport’s network in Portugal and Cape Verde as of May 2025 for greater coverage.
• Six key airports now offer unified ground support, consistent procedures, and enhanced services for crews and passengers.
• Business aviation demand in EMEA rose 12.3%, with integration timed before peak Mediterranean season for optimal benefits.

Universal Aviation, the ground support branch of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has completed the final steps of merging Safeport’s network into its own services across Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻. As of May 2025, this project has brought significant changes for business aviation, bringing together two respected names and their resources for the benefit of all travelers using these locations.

Full Integration Boosts Coverage in Portugal and Cape Verde

With the inclusion of Safeport’s six locations, Universal Aviation now manages facilities in key cities and airports in Portugal and Cape Verde. The six cobranded sites include Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LPPT), Cascais (LPCS), Oporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (LPPR), Beja International (LPBJ), Faro Gago Coutinho International (LPFR), and Sal Island’s Amílcar Cabral International in Cape Verde 🇨🇻 (GVAC).

This expansion is not just a matter of adding new airports to a list. By linking these locations under one network, Universal Aviation has ensured that travelers, flight crews, and business operators can expect familiar procedures, reliable customer service, and improved access no matter which site they use. The integration especially helps those who use Portugal 🇵🇹 as a stop before crossing the Atlantic or who fly between Europe and Africa.

Why is This Integration Important?

Universal Aviation’s step to fully combine Safeport’s experience and resources is anchored in its goal to deliver reliable and safe support at each ground facility. The value of this move lies in several clear advantages for customers and operators:

• Consistent Service: With all locations following the same procedures, both domestic and international customers know what to expect. This makes planning and executing flights easier.
• Local Expertise: Safeport has over 30 years of knowledge and experience handling flights in these regions. By keeping this expertise and adding Universal Aviation’s global standards, operations in Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻 are smoother and smarter.
• Access to Resources: The integration connects customers to a wider network across Europe and beyond. This global reach is important for businesses needing reliable options in busy travel periods.
• Advanced Information Sharing: Information is shared more quickly and clearly between airports, which cuts down on confusion and reduces the risk of delays.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Upgrading protocols at each location means better safety for passengers and crew.

Every airport involved in the network now offers comfortable lounges for both crew and passengers. They also have their own ground support equipment, which speeds up refueling, luggage handling, and other important ground tasks.

Strategic Benefits for Air Travel in the Region

By merging Safeport’s network, Universal Aviation answers a growing need in the business aviation market. More planes are choosing Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻 as entry and exit points for Europe, or as quick stops when flying long distances, especially over the Atlantic Ocean. The completion of this merger came just before the busy Mediterranean summer, showing strong timing by Universal Aviation.

According to company data, traffic across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region increased 12.3% year-over-year. Demand in these markets beat regular trends by over 9%. This is a clear sign that more travelers, business jets, and other operators are using these locations. The growth is not just in Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻. Other airports like Dublin, Northolt, and Milan also showed double-digit growth in activity, illustrating the larger trend across the area.

The Origins of the Partnership

Universal Aviation’s choice to team up with Safeport was not sudden. The announcement of this partnership was first made public at the National Business Aviation Association’s global event, NBAA-BACE, in 2024. Safeport’s long record of handling demanding missions for executives and government groups was a deciding factor.

According to Greg Evans, Chairman of Universal Weather and Aviation, the company’s customers can now count on trusted standards anywhere along the Atlantic routes and within Europe. In his words:

“With Safeport now fully integrated…our customers benefit from consistent standards, deeper local expertise…and direct connectivity into one of Europe’s most important growing regions.”

From the Safeport side, President and CEO Paulo Mirpuri pointed out the benefits for local teams and incoming travelers:

“Universal’s worldwide resources…complement our deep understanding…This collaboration enhances our service capabilities…and opens doors to new international customers who recognise…Universal Aviation.”

Both leaders recognized that the mix of global reach and local skill makes this combined network attractive to a bigger audience, especially those aiming for smooth, trouble-free operations.

Which Airports Are Included?

Here’s a simple look at the new, unified network:

These airports stretch from mainland Portugal 🇵🇹, covering key business and tourism centers, down to Sal Island in Cape Verde 🇨🇻, which is important for long-haul flights across the Atlantic. Each location adds to Universal Aviation’s ability to offer high-level service across important travel routes.

What Do Travelers and Operators Gain?

If you’re planning a flight into, out of, or through Portugal 🇵🇹 or Cape Verde 🇨🇻, these changes could make your trip smoother and less stressful. Here’s how:

For Flight Crews and Operators:

• Quicker handling on the ground thanks to organized protocols at all locations.
• Access to up-to-date flight and weather information through advanced sharing systems.
• The possibility to get help and support at any point during the journey, not just at the departure or arrival airport.
• A single set of procedures for booking, reporting, and troubleshooting.

For Passengers:

• Relaxed, comfortable waiting areas at every airport in the network.
• Reliable ground transportation and quick baggage service.
• A high level of comfort and customer service, whether traveling for business or personal reasons.

For Businesses:

• Strong support for mission-critical flights, like executive travel or cargo delivery.
• Less risk of flight delays or missed connections.
• Opportunities to connect with both European and African markets through reliable stops and layovers.

Market Impact and Future Changes

This move by Universal Aviation reflects a deeper strategy to expand infrastructure where demand is highest. With the rise of business flights and new interest in using Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻 as gateways, increasing local support is more than just a smart business decision—it’s needed to keep up with changing travel patterns. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the market grows fastest when operators know they can rely on the same standards from takeoff to landing across different regions.

The trend towards more transatlantic and multi-country journeys means that consistent ground support has become essential. Universal Aviation’s solution, with help from Safeport’s experience, aims to answer that need.

Immediate Benefits for the Busy Season

One of the main reasons to speed up this integration was the coming peak travel periods—especially during the busy Mediterranean summers. By getting these locations up and running together before travel reaches its highest volumes, Universal Aviation puts itself and its customers in a better spot to avoid problems.

Strong numbers from the company—like the 12.3% growth in EMEA and demand running 9% above average—suggest they are already seeing positive results from this work. Airports like Dublin, Northolt, and Milan show that these changes are part of a wider upswing, not limited to Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻.

Keeping Up With Safety and Global Standards

Consistency across locations helps avoid the kinds of errors or confusion that can slow down operations or, worse, impact safety. Universal Aviation’s approach makes sure that by the time a plane touches down in Portugal 🇵🇹 or Cape Verde 🇨🇻, everyone involved (from ground staff to flight crew) is following the same detailed steps. This reduces misunderstandings and keeps the focus on delivering safe, secure operations.

The company’s use of new technology for information and equipment also sets a new bar for the industry. Operators expect instant updates, and customers want quick answers. The improved systems at these locations aim to provide both.

What Makes the Portugal and Cape Verde Region Special?

Portugal 🇵🇹 has always been an important stop for flights heading to or from the rest of Europe. Its friendly location makes it ideal as a final destination or as a meeting point. Cape Verde 🇨🇻, in turn, stands out for its unique position along the Atlantic, making it an excellent technical stop—meaning a place where planes land not to unload passengers, but for quick refueling or servicing during long flights.

This mix of locations covers both local European travel needs and the special requirements of those traveling much greater distances.

Looking Ahead: What Could Happen Next?

With the merger finished, Universal Aviation has set itself up to quickly answer new market needs. The flexibility to handle big increases in travel activity, plus the experience Safeport brings, means the company can keep growing as demand rises—or as travelers start to favor new destinations. Businesses, travelers, and operators can all expect more options and better coordination, especially for complicated trips.

This strategic update positions Universal Aviation as a go-to choice not just for travel to Portugal 🇵🇹 or Cape Verde 🇨🇻, but anywhere along major Atlantic routes.

Need More Information?

If you want to read about Universal Aviation or their latest projects, you can visit their official press room for updates and details.

Conclusion

By pulling Safeport’s network into its own, Universal Aviation has made a clear commitment to supporting travelers and business operators in Portugal 🇵🇹 and Cape Verde 🇨🇻 with reliable, steady ground services. This move comes at the right time, as demand grows and new travel challenges come up. Everyone using these airports—from crews and travelers to companies flying critical missions—stands to gain from improved service, clearer information, and easier connections across continents. The future looks bright for both Universal Aviation and the regions now benefiting from its enhanced presence.

Learn Today

Ground Support → Essential services provided at airports, such as refueling, baggage handling, and passenger assistance, supporting both flight crews and aircraft.
Business Aviation → Air travel involving private, corporate, or chartered aircraft, typically serving executives, businesses, and specialized missions across regions.
Transatlantic → Flights or routes that cross the Atlantic Ocean, often using Portugal or Cape Verde as important technical or rest stops.
Integration → The process of combining two organizations’ operations, resources, and systems for improved efficiency, consistency, and customer experience.
ICAO Code → A four-letter airport identifier used internationally for air traffic control and flight operations, such as LPPT for Lisbon.

This Article in a Nutshell

Universal Aviation’s integration of Safeport’s network in Portugal and Cape Verde brings consistent, global-standard ground support to six major airports. This merger streamlines operations for business aviation, ensures smooth Atlantic crossings, and enhances safety, comfort, and connectivity—arriving just as demand for air travel in the region surges in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com

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