Texas-headquartered mission management provider Universal Weather and Aviation has completed the sale of its UVair Fueling division to World Fuel Services; the deal was signed in August 2019 for a total purchase price of around $170 million.

“I'm proud that Universal continues to have the most comprehensive, end-to-end mission management infrastructure in our industry,” says chairman Greg Evans. “That doesn't change with the sale of UVair. We're still committed to ensuring the success of our customers' missions across every touchpoint we manage.

“At Universal, we've always been focused on not just supporting our customers' needs today but looking ahead and taking the right steps to support their needs tomorrow. The sale of UVair is an important milestone in meeting those future needs.”

World Fuel is now the exclusive fuel provider for Universal, including Universal Trip Support and the uvGO digital mission management platform.

With the sale complete, Universal is now focused on accelerating growth and digital offerings. “What I'm really excited about is that this sale will allow us to continue investing in the high-touch services our customers love, like our expanding global network, and we're prioritising what our digital platforms can do for you tomorrow,” he adds. “We've got big plans moving forward, and as I said back when the sale was first announced, Universal has just begun to scratch the surface of where we're headed.”

UVair customers will realise a number of benefits as a result of the acquisition. They will become part of the World Fuel network, gaining participation in World Fuel Rewards and the ability to purchase fuel at more contract locations at competitive rates, and will be able to add AvCard by World Fuel to their portfolio.

In turn, FBOs gain access to more flight departments through the addition of new UVair customers. Using the World Fuel network's marketing tools and World Fuel Rewards, FBOs can market their locations to the expanded audience.

“Our goal is to make our customers' lives easier,” says WFS senior vice president, business aviation sales, global Michael Szczechowski. “We build advanced tools like myWorld and Schedaero, and provide more methods to purchase, which are all connected to the World Fuel network.”

World Fuel will be issuing a new contract card design called the World Fuel | UVair Contract card, that incorporates both brands. Known as the ‘New Black’ card, it will work like the World Fuel Contract card and cardholders will benefit from the same rewards and global acceptance. “The UVair Card and UVair name are well-respected globally, and we value this heritage and broad acceptance,” adds senior vice president, business aviation sales, North America Malcolm Hawkins. “UVair customers joining the World Fuel Network will enjoy a world of unparalleled benefits and capabilities. From competitive fuel prices to rewards points and the New Black card, flight departments will get increased value on every gallon purchased in our network. Our expanded solutions will help them manage their aviation operating costs and improve their operations.”