OUR HISTORY
The company’s roots at Teterboro date back to 1946 when Ken Forester, Sr.
and Bob Hewitt formed Mallard Air Service. Twelve years later, Forester started a new business venture, General Aviation Company, offering aircraft sales, maintenance and other aviation services.
Meridian is still privately-owned today, and we take pride in being the only family-owned aviation company still at Teterboro. For a look at our long and storied history, please see the timeline below.
1940s – 1950s
Ken Forester, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Bob Hewitt, both Army Air Force pilots during WWII, form Mallard Air Service at Teterboro Airport.
Forester leaves Mallard to manage a wire machinery plant and also work as an A&P mechanic at Teterboro.
Forester founds General Aviation Company at Teterboro Airport, specializing in selling and maintaining Navion aircraft, as well as performing maintenance on other piston planes. The facility has space to tiedown 50 aircraft and a flight school.
1960s – 1970s
General Aviation Company Adds Mooney Dealership.
General Aviation Company leases the Flight School to Teterboro Flight Academy, who operates it until 1974.
Ken Forester, Jr., a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, assumes full-time management of the company. Forester, a former F-102 pilot, served in the Air Force from 1963-1972.
1980s – 1990s
More than 130 aircraft are now based at General Aviation. The FAA-approved flight school’s fleet has grown to 33 aircraft.
General Aviation forms General Aviation Flying Service charter company, using piston aircraft.
General Aviation builds new hangar and terminal at Teterboro Airport.
General Aviation begins selling jet fuel.
Company joins Million Air FBO network.
Meridian’s Charter Certificate approved by the FAA. First jet aircraft, a Citation SII, added to charter fleet.
FAA-approved repair station opens.
First large-cabin aircraft, a Gulfstream GII, becomes part of charter fleet.
Teterboro earns NATA Safety 1st certification.
2000 – present
Company leaves Million Air network and rebrands as Meridian. Opens a new FBO terminal and office facility.
Meridian opens a 40,000 sq. ft. maintenance and storage hangar.
Meridian begins westward expansion. Opens regional office in Santa Rosa and sales office in San Jose, CA.
Meridian bases its first West Coast charter aircraft, a Citation XLS, at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD).
Meridian breaks ground for its new West Coast FBO at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD).
Opens a Sales Office at Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Meridian opens full-service FBO at Hayward Airport, which includes a 30,000 sq. ft. hangar.
Meridian adds additional 22,000 sq. ft. hangar at Teterboro on south end of airport.
Meridian opens a new 40,000 sq. ft. hangar at Teterboro Airport, bringing total hangar space to 102,000 sq. ft.
Hayward receives NATA Safety 1st certification.
Sales Office opens at Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF) in Miami, FL.
Meridian celebrates the 30th anniversary of its jet charter business.
Teterboro and Hayward FBOs receive IS-BAH registration and NATA Safety 1st Clean certification.
Charter and Management business sold to Jet Linx.
Repair Station closes as company focuses on growth of FBO business.
Meridian celebrates 75 years at Teterboro Airport.
Meridian TEB among first FBOs to be awarded GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation.
Meridian earns IS-BAH Stage II certification at both FBO locations.