As the visionary founder of international trip support for business aviation, Tom Evans set in motion a legacy of innovation that transformed how operators fly around the world.
Join us on our journey from an aviation weather service to one of the world’s largest international FBO and ground services networks.
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The Beginning
Tom Evans, an Air Force meteorologist, launches a weather forecasting service for business aviation in Dallas, Texas – an innovation at the time. -
Universal Weather and Aviation is Born
The company expands to Houston and becomes Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., introducing the iconic plane and radar Universal® logo. -
Trip Support Emerges
Recognizing the complexity of international operations, Tom pioneers comprehensive flight planning and trip coordination. -
Birth of the Network
As operating business aircraft internationally becomes more popular, Universal begins building a worldwide network of trusted ground handlers and opens its own handling offices in Mexico, the UK, and Spain. -
Fueling an Industry
Universal pioneers the first contract fuel program for business aviation – creating a service segment that is a staple of flying today. -
Growing with Our Customers
Demand for international trip support services accelerates. Universal HQ moves to a larger office outside Hobby Airport, where it lives for the next 20 years. The company continues to expand its capabilities and capacity in trip support, ground handling, fuel and other support services. -
The First Globally Branded FBO Network
Universal expands its owned ground handling presence into 20 countries. Alongside its trusted third-party partners, it launches the UVglobal Network – the first branded international FBO network dedicated to business aviation. -
Universal Aviation® is Born
The Universal Aviation® brand is introduced, uniting all company-owned locations under a single name. From this foundation, the network continues to expand with new FBOs, GATs, handling offices, and supervisory stations worldwide. -
Elevating the Experience
Universal broadens its services through the acquisition of Air Culinaire Worldwide, making seamless inflight catering solutions available across the network. Today, Universal Aviation and Air Culinaire Worldwide continue to operate as sister organizations – working side by side to deliver a more complete experience for operators around the globe. -
Strengthening the Network
Universal Aviation expands its global footprint with new facilities and GATs, including expansion in the Dominican Republic and Spain, the opening of Costa Rica’s first-ever GAT in San José, and adding new country locations like Portugal and Barbados. -
A New Chapter
Universal Trip Support Services is sold to World Fuel Services, opening the door for new investment and growth in Universal Aviation. Under the continued leadership of the Evans family, Universal Aviation is driving expansion, elevating service standards, and advancing access to business aviation worldwide.