World Kinect Completes Trip Support Business Purchase

World Kinect, the parent company of World Fuel Services, has completed the purchase of Universal Weather and Aviation’s trip-support services division. The deal was announced in early September.

Universal is one of the pioneers in the trip-support market, with a global network of content specialists in international travel regulations, logistics, and supply-chain management, coordinated through the company’s Houston headquarters. It has helped thousands of business and general aviation operators navigate the challenges of international travel and operational logistics.

“Trip Support Services is highly complementary to our core fuel offering,” explained World Kinect president and CEO Ira Birns. “With this acquisition, we are now able to serve a larger, more diverse base of aviation customers, creating new opportunities to deliver broader solutions to drive future growth.” 

According to the terms of the approximately $220 million deal, the sale included the Universal Weather and Aviation brand name, as well as the agreements that Universal has made with third-party ground handlers worldwide.

“We are excited to welcome Universal Weather’s [trip support services] team to World Kinect,” added World Kinect COO John Rau. “By expanding our service capabilities, we’re making it even easier for our aviation customers—whether World Kinect or those joining from Universal—to plan, fuel, and fly with confidence, anywhere in the world.”