Universal Celebrates 50th Anniversary at NBAA2009

Oct. 23, 2009
Tom Evans, a former U.S. Air Force officer and meteorologist, started Universal in Dallas in 1959.

Houston (Oct. 20, 2009) – A half-century into its existence, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. has evolved from the first company to provide weather briefs for corporate aviation into a comprehensive worldwide aviation solutions provider.

“Fifty years ago, when my father Tom Evans founded Universal®, he provided a solution for frustrated corporate aviation operators who previously were in need of more tailored aviationfocused weather forecasts than the U.S. Weather Service provided,” said Universal Chairman Greg Evans. “We’ve grown tremendously since then, but all these years later we’ve continued to thrive because our business model continues to focus on anticipating the needs of our clients and providing solutions to those needs.”

Tom Evans, a former U.S. Air Force officer and meteorologist, started Universal in Dallas in 1959. A few years later, he moved the headquarters of the fledgling company to Houston, where it has remained ever since.

“We’ve experienced many highlights over the years. From developing computerized flight plans in the late 60s to pioneering the first contract fuel solution for corporate aviation in the 80s, to developing our premier worldwide ground support division, Universal Aviation,” said Greg Evans. “But all of that history doesn’t mean anything to a customer if the trip isn’t done right!”

Just as Universal evolved from its beginnings into a full service trip support services provider, the company has since evolved again to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of the corporate aviation industry.

“More of the world is open to corporate aviation than ever before,” said Universal President and CEO Ralph Vasami. “In today’s economic and regulatory environment, it’s essential that operators have somewhere to turn to answer their questions and to help them maximize the value of their aircraft. The knowledge we’ve gained in 50 years of service to business aviation makes us perfectly prepared to serve in that advisory role. Our clients trust us to answer their complex regulatory questions and to develop the solutions they need to ensure their trips are always a success. We’re proud to have reached the 50-year milestone, but we’re more proud knowing our clients rest easy knowing they can rely on Universal’s unmatched experience.”