Trip Support

On the ground and in the air, Universal® offers the most comprehensive portfolio of services in the industry. Featured below are programs that assist operators outside of flight preparations.

• Crisis management
• VAT recovery services
• Training

Crisis management

In times of crisis, we can provide access to specialized security services specific to crisis management and response. These services are available when situations like the following occur:

• Kidnapping, ransom and extortion
• Death in a foreign country
• Foreign detainment
• Hostile evacuation
• Overseas medical emergency
• Response to catastrophic incidents (such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters)

Contact Universal if you should experience these unfortunate events. Our third-party providers may have the resources to facilitate a resolution to the issue at hand.

Through the knowledge, experience and resources of our third-party providers, security services are one more way that Universal is positioned to become a vital extension of your team. For more information, or to explore the best options for your operation, contact us today at (713) 378-8081 or via e-mail at security@univ-wea.com.

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VAT recovery services

Value-added taxes (VAT) can raise trip expenses up to 25% from departure to arrival – but now, Universal can help you get them back. Our relationship with VATAmerica , a professional VAT recovery firm based in the United States, gives you an advantage and even expedites refunds.

For many expenses incurred through Universal, including the UVair® Fueling Card and Universal affiliates and vendors, we will obtain VAT payment documentation and you can provide invoices for VAT payments through other resources. Within five days of a refund from the tax authorities, you will see the cash in your designated bank account in the currency of your choice. We even provide a quarterly status report.

Find out how much you can save through utilizing VATAmerica, contact VATAmerica at info@vatamerica.com.

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Training

Universal offers a variety of training courses designed to help enhance the knowledge and operations of a flight operations department. Our specialized training courses give your team the tools they need to make your operation successful.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved Aircraft Dispatcher Training Course

Universal has official approval from the FAA to offer the Aircraft Dispatcher Training Course, following the successful graduation of all students from our pilot program's specially modified course. This program will enhance your flight department's expertise and overall aviation knowledge base. Click here for the course schedule.

Scheduler & Dispatcher Courses

Held at our Houston headquarters, these courses trace a sample trip's development from initial request to arrival, with useful lessons on planning, operational, and post-flight phases. Participants earn credit under the NBAA Schedulers Professional Development Program (SPDP).

With Universal training, your schedulers and dispatchers can learn to be your most accurate, efficient resource, no matter where in the world you fly.

Scheduler & Dispatcher Seminar dates

Schedulers and dispatchers need an understanding of the elements that affect flight operations, as well as the techniques and resources employed to operate a successful domestic or international trip. Click here for course schedule.

About the presenters

Fred Towers has over 25 years of experience in aircraft operations. His experience includes managing scheduling and dispatch operations for Vivendi Universal, as well as serving as the lead dispatcher for both General Electric Corporate Air Transport and Wayfarer Aviation. Fred is a member of the Schedulers and Dispatchers Committee Advisory Council and is a past chairman and current member of the International Operators Committee.

Mark Christensen, a licensed Aircraft Dispatcher, has over 20 years of experience in aircraft operations and aviation training. His experience includes coordinating aircraft operations as a senior aviation meteorologist and managing the training for the meteorology and flight planning departments at Universal. He previously served as an on-the-job training supervisor in the U.S. Air Force.

For more information about the Scheduler & Dispatcher Courses, please call Worldwide: (713) 944-1622 ext. 3300 or N. America Toll-Free: (800) 231-5600 ext. 3300.

Security Awareness Training

Universal works with its third-party providers to offer on-site security training to help pilots and crew – and, by extension, passengers and executives – to travel worldwide in the safest possible environment for all. Training covers the following topics:

• Identifying global risks
• Understanding the threat process used by criminals and terrorists
  
  • How and why targets are chosen
  • How attacks are carried out
• Developing a travel crisis management and evacuation plan
• Surveillance detection
• Simulation scenarios

For more information on these services, contact Universal at security@univ-wea.com .

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