Meridian Jet Center is pleased to announce that it has acquired an all-new towbarless, electric aircraft tractor known as the LEKTRO AP89 Series. The innovative tug has more Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certifications and a wider range of capability than any other in its class. In fact, the AP89 is certified to handle every major regional and narrow-bodied airliner out there. This state-of-the-art tractor has changed the way ground crews all over the world handle aircraft. The addition of such a towing vehicle will only add more efficiency, safety, and reliability to our already trusted line service team.
Nehemias Camacho, Line Service Manager, is pleased with the addition of the new tug, “With Teterboro’s limited real estate, stacking the hangars efficiently and safe as possible is a must. These units can safely maneuver in such way that a conventional tow vehicle will not”.
Meridian will be utilizing the LEKTRO for many years to come in our most recently built Hangar 12. It will be vital in continuing to provide the highest level of safety and security for our clients.
To learn more about the LEKTRO AP89 Series go to, http://www.lektro.com/series/ap89-series/
Author: John Hunter
On Saturday, June 2nd, Meridian embraced the beautiful spring weather by hosting its very first “Super Saver Saturday” with a barbeque at our Hayward facility. The purpose of this event was to show appreciation for our fellow Hayward Executive Airport (KHWD) based tenants by offering them exclusive price cuts on fuel every Saturday of the month! In addition, the tenants were able to experience a classic, fun-filled barbeque on our ramp. Attendees were also given the opportunity to tour our facility, experience the Meridian culture, and enjoy some good food.
Aside from our Super Saver Saturday, Meridian also hosted The Bay Cities 99s Annual Poker Run. The Oakland-based organization of women pilots is dedicated to the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring its unique history. Every year the 99s host this poker run to benefit its scholarship fund which funds young individuals that share a passion for flight.
All in all, the day turned out to be a success for everyone. Attendees were able to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, and a plethora of other dishes while soaking up the California sun. At one point the Meridian Hayward ramp had over 20 aircraft parked on it. The turnout was excellent for the Bay Cities 99s as well; they had a near-record attendance this year for the poker run.
Carlos Rodriguez, Meridian Hayward’s General Manager, who served as an on-site cook for the event, was pleased with how the day turned out. “This event was not only a success for Meridian, but also for the Bay Cities 99’s. It was a great turn-out and a fun event that provided a warm inviting atmosphere for all of our airport friends”.
Special thanks to everyone who could make the event. We look forward to seeing you again in the near future!
For more information on the Bay Cities 99s please visit their website, baycities99s.org
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Meridian Exhibits at EBACE2018
Meridian proudly participated in the 2018 edition of The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018). The company sent six associates to the show to represent various departments, including Charter Sales, Charter Operations, Aircraft Management, and Marketing. The team was able to optimize its presence at the venue by meeting with customers and prospects, reconnecting with industry colleagues and friends, and identifying new opportunities.
Kirk Stephen, Director of Marketing, was impressed by the optimism of the event, “Every year EBACE proves to be a productive endeavor for our company. We are able to take advantage of the access to many other aviation companies that Geneva affords us because of its proximity to Europe, Asia, and Africa. This year’s show was noticeably different because each day of the event was surrounded by energy and excitement for the future. While it’s still too early to tell how 2018 will end, if EBACE is any indication of things to come, then we should finish out the year in a good place.”
Organizers said the show, once again, served as a powerful and forward-looking showcase, reinforcing its reputation as the industry’s most important event in Europe. EBACE is jointly hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). This year’s show took place from May 29 to 31 at Geneva’s Palexpo conference center and Geneva International Airport.
“This was a decidedly upbeat, optimistic EBACE week, which highlighted the passion and enthusiasm at the heart of the business aviation community,” said EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese. “The show reflected a reverence for the industry’s history, as well as an embrace of its future.”
The busy 3-day event featured 418 exhibitors, all whom chose the event to announce new aircraft, products and services, with press conferences and media events throughout the week. This was an overall increase from last year’s event as EBACE welcomed a plethora of first-time exhibitors from over 100 different countries! Furthermore, the event had a sold-out static display that featured 54 aircraft on the Geneva Airport’s ramps. Attendees got to see a variety of aircraft ranging from intercontinental jets, to turboprop and piston aircraft, to helicopters.
In addition to the upbeat and positive atmosphere, the event also featured numerous informative sessions that honed in on the future of the business aviation industry. The talks included:
· A new industry initiative to advance the development and adoption of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel
· An inspiring keynote presentation by Yves “Jetman” Rossy, an accomplished military and commercial pilot.
· An EVAA study, “Expanding Horizons: How Millennials see the Future of Business Aviation”.
· The International Aircraft Transactions Seminar
· The Implications BREXIT for Business Aviation
· Improving Access to European Airspace and Airports for Business Aviation Operators
Apart from the informative session, EBACE conducted its second annual Careers in Business Aviation Day, which introduced more than 250 students from high schools and universities across Europe to the broad range of potential business aviation career paths.
The EBAA also took the time to award companies that have established a solid safety culture within their organizations. This year, five European companies were recognized for achieving over 100,000 hours of accident-free flying.
“EBACE once again showed that business aviation is an industry focused on innovation and investment in the future. The new aircraft models, the new business models, the featured speakers and the trends we discussed all point to an energetic industry looking toward tomorrow”, said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
EBACE will return to Geneva again next year from May 21 to 23, 2019. Meridian is planning to exhibit again, and we are already looking forward to seeing you there!
On Thursday, May 10th, Meridian was pleased to host Southern & Northern California Schedulers and Dispatchers Group (SONO) first meeting of 2018. This special event was held at our Hayward facility, located at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD), just outside of San Francisco, CA. The purpose of this event was to create a valuable networking opportunity for business aviation professionals, and to provide an educational forum to enhance the knowledge and experience of our S&D community.
The fun evening featured a “World War II” theme that took guests back in time to the 1940’s. The event featured a variety of activities and exhibits, including The Cosmo Alleycats, a swing dance band with a vintage twist, authentic Mai Tai’s served in tiki drinking glasses, vintage aircraft and vehicles on display in the hangar, and replica war posters and bunting decorating the walls. About halfway through the evening, Jeff Bass, President & CEO of Hiller Aviation Museum located in San Carlos, CA, gave a very interesting and historical presentation about how the local aviation community was developed in California during WWII. At the end of the evening, a drawing took place that offered high-value prizes to several lucky winners.
In total, there were about 200 guests in attendance, and so far, feedback about the event was extremely positive. Carlos Rodriguez, Meridian Hayward GM, had this to say, “We are honored that SONO had asked us to host their annual spring meeting. We knew that it would be a unique opportunity for us to showcase our new facility here in the Bay Area with a very targeted group of business aviation professionals. We hope that all of our guests and sponsors had enjoyed themselves, and we hope they continue to spread the word about our operations here. I think they will find that we have a lot to offer.”
To see photos of the event, please visit our online gallery: https://photos.meridian.aero/MeridianHWD-SONO-Sp18.
We would also like to give a special thanks to all of our sponsors. Without their support, this event would not have been possible.
Gold Sponsors
Airsure Limited
FlightSafety International
Signature Flight Support
Silver Sponsors
EPIC Fuels
Mente Group
International Trip Planning Services
Castle & Cooke Aviation
World Fuel Services
Eastern Aviation Fuels
Service Sponsors
Meridian is pleased to announce the addition of a Gulfstream G450 (N973MC) business jet to its ever-growing managed fleet. This aircraft is based in Teterboro, NJ, and conveniently serves its New York City-area customers. This long-range jet was manufactured in 2009 and is impeccably maintained both inside and out. The aircraft is now available for charter (Certificate IMJA053F).
The spacious cabin can accommodate up to 14 passengers and can fly a maximum distance of 4,350 nm/8,056 km at Mach 0.80 with eight passengers and three crew. This aircraft is well-appointed with a range of amenities including complimentary domestic Wi-Fi, DirectTV® Satellite Television, inflight satellite phone system, Airshow® moving map display, entertainment system with dual DVD/CD player, and berthable seats that will accommodate up to six passengers. A full galley with sink, microwave and convection ovens, dual coffee maker, aft private lavatory with sink, and forward crew lavatory, make this aircraft an attractive option for international trips.
“We are extremely pleased to offer our customers in the New York metro area another great option for long haul trips,” said Chris Battaglia, Director of Charter Sales. “This G450 is equipped with the latest technologies and amenities, ensuring a productive and comfortable flight. It is the perfect complement to our fleet of heavy jets.”
The Gulfstream G450 model incorporates the technological advances of the Gulfstream G550, including the integrated PlaneView cockpit and a redesigned wing to reduce drag. The aircraft also allows for greater fuel capacity, making it ideal for lengthy trips. The Gulfstream G450 was the first business jet to cross Atlantic Ocean using biofuels.
Meridian currently manages a wide range of aircraft types that are available for private charter. Our diverse fleet includes the Global 5000, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream 450, Gulfstream GIV-SP, Falcon 7X, Falcon 900EX EASy, Falcon 2000EX EASy, Falcon 2000, Challenger 605, Challenger 604, Challenger 601, Gulfstream G200, and Hawker 900XP. In addition, other aircraft types are available through Meridian’s extensive network of qualified operators.
Heather DeRegis, Flight Operations Manager, celebrated 20 years as a member of the Meridian Air Charter team on April 20. Heather started her career with Meridian in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics & Management from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY.
Heather joined Meridian as a member of our Charter Sales team. As corporate aviation at Teterboro Airport intensified over the years, in 2001, she transitioned into Flight Operations as a Coordinator. Now, Heather is our Flight Operations Manager and she continues to come into work every day with a smile and positive attitude.
Heather was extremely grateful to her colleagues for the recognition, and had this to say, “I can’t believe how quickly 20 years have gone by. It seems like yesterday that I started here, and both the airport and the company were very different back then. Now I am looking forward to the next 20 years with Meridian!”
Congratulations Heather for 20 years with Meridian!
Meridian would like to extend its appreciation to the 8 line servicemen who volunteered to help relocate crates and boxes of new furniture and other items for Hangar 12 last Saturday. With the elevator not yet in service, deliveries for the second floor were left on the first floor, including filing cabinets, chairs, desks, and other office furniture. Due to the motivation and diligence of these employees, they were able to move all of the items, and were able to help us stay on target with the opening date in late April. We appreciate their extra efforts for going above and beyond!
This week, Meridian was honored to host PlaneSense and its brand-new, swiss-crafted, Pilatus PC-24 Jet, the first of six that PlaneSense plans to add to its fleet over the next two years. The twin-engine, eight passenger jet touched down at Meridian Teterboro on the morning of March 14th as part of PlaneSense’s efforts to complete operational capabilities in airports that fractional share holders have expressed an interest in, or that are already serviced by the company’s fleet of PC-12 turboprops and Nextant 400XTi jets. Among those onboard were George Antoniadis, President and CEO of PlaneSense, Dave Verani, VP of Sales and Marketing, and the plane’s two pilots, Jim Georgelis and TJ Schipano.
The PC-24 is described by Pilatus as, “the only aircraft combining the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet, and the performance of a light jet”. Many in the industry believe that the jet doesn’t fit into existing categories, so they created a new one: Super Versatile Jet (SVJ). In addition to being “off-road” compatible, the jet has outstanding short-field performance, even on unpaved runways! This offers the aircraft a vast amount of mobility, over 20,000 runways to be exact. Passengers will now be able to fly closer to their final destination like never before with the use of smaller airports. Furthermore, they will be able to avoid tedious administrative procedures at larger airports and reduce their ground transfer times to a minimum.
Aside from the aircraft’s performance, the PC-24 features a unique interior designed for comfort and functionality. Pilatus ensures its passengers that only the finest-quality materials were used to create its interior. Soft-leathers and rare hardwood cabinetry are just some of the features you can expect to find within the exquisite aircraft. As if this wasn’t enough, the PC-24 has a generous amount of cabin space for a medium-light jet allowing exceptional headroom for its passengers and crew.
We would like to thank PlaneSense for choosing Meridian when bringing their fleet to Teterboro. PlaneSense is a leading national and international provider of fractional aircraft ownership and private flight. We value them as a customer and truly appreciate their business. We look forward to seeing this beautiful PC-24 more often at both our Teterboro and Hayward FBOs.
For more information on PlaneSense and its new PC-24, visit their website at, https://www.planesense.com/resources/introducing-the-pc-24-jet
On March 15th, Meridian sent a team of associates to the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association’s (WAMA) Aviation Job Fair in Mount Kisco, NY. This event was established so that young professionals would have an opportunity to meet with aviation professionals and local businesses that are seeking qualified candidates. During the job fair, attendees were given the chance to meet directly with industry representatives to discuss career opportunities.
John Langschultz, VP of Meridian Jet Center, and Kelly Manzo, HR Coordinator, were very busy representing Meridian at the one-day event. Lou Ramm, Director of Quality Assurance, who was attending an aviation course in an adjacent room, stopped by the job fair to lend a hand. In addition to seeing many familiar faces within the industry, the Meridian team spoke with many ambitious candidates interested in various aviation positions, including pilot, flight attendant, dispatcher, customer service representative, and aircraft maintenance technician. Overall, the event was a huge success for both the attendees and recruiters. Special thanks to WAMA and all of the young professionals that took the time to speak with our representatives.
For job opportunities with Meridian, check out the Careers page on our website for the latest postings: https://meridian.aero/Careers
For more information about WAMA, please visit their website at: http://wama.cloverpad.org/
New Jersey’s alcohol industry is experiencing a rebirth, as recently enacted laws are providing new opportunities for the state’s wineries, breweries, and distilleries. One company that has taken advantage of this new legislation is Claremont Distilled Spirits. The company was founded in May of 2014 by current CEO Tim Koether under the principle that world class spirits could be produced in the Garden State.
Since then, Claremont has managed to become the largest craft distillery in New Jersey with over 4,000 gallons of fermentation capacity and 1,000 gallons of distillation capacity. In addition, Claremont takes advantage of the fact that New Jersey is among the nation’s largest producer of a variety fruits and vegetables. They use New Jersey raised potatoes in the vodka production process, as well as an assortment of locally grown fruits, like blueberries and peaches.
Mr. Koether is a firm believer in sourcing his company’s ingredients locally. He says, “Claremont is proudly owned by, and its products proudly produced by, and sold by native, lifelong New Jerseyians. We are proud of our heritage and the products we create. Our attention to detail through constant and personal monitoring throughout the production process results in true craft spirits that we believe are among the finest produced. Upon tasting our spirits, we believe you will agree”.
Claremont Vodka is the first and only craft spirit produced in New Jersey to be awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the most highly regarded spirits competition in the world. In addition, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Claremont Vodka a Top 100 Spirit of 2016, giving it a 93-point rating.
Meridian is proud to announce that Claremont Vodka will be available on all of its private charter flights upon request. For more information about Claremont, please visit their website at http://claremontdistillery.com/vodka/. For more information on Meridian Air Charter, please visit our website at www.meridian.aero or call us at 800-882-2333.