New Universal Service

Universal Weather and Aviation Inc. unveiled their UVglobal Network program here in New Orleans yesterday. The aim of the program is to create a worldwide network of ground service providers all offering a single service quality standard. The company claims that it can now offer corporate aircraft ground handling and FBO services through 45 centers in 35 countries.

The program which has taken about a year to pull together builds on Universal's network expertise and is available to all operators and organizations. Providers from Syria, Myanmar (Burma), Chile, Argentina, Thailand and new companies from the Russian Federation have joined the program most recently and more will be joining within the next year, according to the company. Prospective service providers must demonstrate their experience and professionalism in order to become a member of UVglobal.

Each headquarters is located in the main city of that country and will be responsible for organizing airport services throughout that country.

"When operators select a network member, they are selecting professionalism and consistency regardless of where they land," said Lex den Herder, senior manager International Network Development, Universal Weather

Marketed under a campaign called, "the end of ground turbulence," the goal is to end the apprehension of international travel.

Consistent high security standards across the program tops the list of priorities according to den Herder. Each of the worldwide member company's personnel will carry standardized identification and be issued with standardized uniforms at all facilities. Standardized signage on buildings and ground vehicles will also add to the degree of consistency.

UVglobal Network will be launching its website in about a month's time but convention delegates can get a sneak preview online here at the company's booth.

By Mike Vines