Author: Kirk Stephen

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Executive Terminal (FBO) Hayward Meridian Hayward

Avfuel Welcomes Meridian Hayward (KHWD) to Premier FBO Network

Avfuel Corporation and Meridian announce a new partnership between the leading independent supplier of aviation fuel and services, and one of the most recognized names in FBO services.

Beginning Jan. 4, Avfuel took over as the official branded fuel supplier of Meridian’s Hayward, California, location.

“We are honored the Meridian team entrusted Avfuel to help care for its team’s and customers’ needs,” Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s senior vice president of sales, said. “The addition of Meridian Hayward to the Avfuel Network provides another premier flying and fueling location in the heart of California, with access to top-tier FBO amenities and Avfuel’s dependable programs.”

“We are very excited to partner with Avfuel as our fuel supplier,” Carlos Rodriguez, Meridian Hayward general manager, said. “Avfuel is well-respected throughout the aviation industry for its reliability, innovative solutions and customer support. As part of its network, we look forward to raising the visibility of our brand while also growing our fuel sales volume. In addition, its focus on integrating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into the supply chain will be an asset as we work to expand our own efforts in that area.”

Centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, Meridian Hayward provides business and leisure travelers alike convenient access to the Bay Area’s most popular destinations. Situated on a general-aviation only airport, guests benefit from services that cater to the private aviation traveler, including 24-hour availability at an airport with no commercial airline traffic, and professionally-trained customer service and line service teams.

Meridian’s FBO terminal offers everything customers expect, and more, from a world-class facility. It features an elegant main lobby, full-service business center, a conference room with full A/V capabilities and seating for 12, professional concierge services, and a coffee bar, kitchen and catering area available for both passengers and crews. Pilots benefit from state-of-the-art amenities, including a pilot briefing area, pilot lounge, sleep room and shower. With rental cars and crew cars available on site, guests can quickly hit the road while their aircraft stay secure overnight with tie downs or hangar space.

Meridian’s expertly-trained line staff is on hand to provide a full suite of ramp services, including GPU, lavatory service, potable water service and quick turns. With IS-BAH Stage II accreditation and Safety 1st certification from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), guests can be assured their aircraft, passengers and pilots are in adept hands from wheels down to wheels up.

As an Avfuel-branded location, Meridian Hayward’s customers will enjoy lucrative rewards with the industry’s preferred loyalty program, AVTRIP, and streamlined transactions through Avfuel Contract Fuel, which provides competitive fuel rates at more than 3,000 global locations. This is in addition to the back-end solutions a partnership with Avfuel provides, helping daily operations run as smoothly as possible.

Those headed to NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, are encouraged to visit the Meridian Hayward team in Avfuel’s aisles, booth #616, to learn more about the location’s offerings.

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General Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Attends NJ Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

The Meridian team attends the 47th Annual Induction Dinner at the Fiesta Ballroom in Wood-Ridge, NJ.

We at Meridian are proud to support our friends at the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum. Last week, the organization held its 47th Annual Induction Dinner at the Fiesta Ballroom in Wood-Ridge, NJ, the first time in three years due to the pandemic. This year, five inductees were admitted into the Hall of Fame: Dr. Eugene Richardson, Lt. Col. Edward Ballanco, Michael Castania, Dorothy Johanna Fulton (Slinn), and William Thomas Watkinson, Jr. For more information about these aviation pioneers, click here to read their bios in Horizons, the event program. http://ow.ly/XQ4r50LxMv2

Founded in 1972 and located at Teterboro Airport, the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey is dedicated to the preservation of the Garden State’s distinguished, two-century aviation and space heritage. The men and women, whose outstanding aeronautical achievements have brought world-wide recognition to the state, are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

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Executive Terminal (FBO) Hayward

Meridian Hayward Renews CAA Preferred Status

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that its West Coast fixed base operation (FBO), Meridian Hayward, was again voted the Corporate Aircraft Association’s (CAA) Preferred FBO at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) in Hayward, CA. CAA is a membership-based organization that is dedicated to enhancing the operating efficiencies of corporate flight departments. A CAAPreferred FBO represents a combination of superior service and fair pricing for its members, provided by the most highly qualified personnel and FBO management in the industry.

A CAA Preferred FBO must be voted into the program by qualified members. If there are multiple FBOs at an airport, the one receiving the highest percentage of votes is awarded the exclusive CAA contract for 3 years. Meridian Hayward was first named CAA Preferred in 2018, the first year it was eligible for the designation.

“Our entire team is honored to again receive this recognition,” said Meridian Hayward General Manager, Carlos Rodriguez. “At Meridian, outstanding customer service is our hallmark. This designation gives us the additional opportunity to demonstrate to CAA members that we provide exceptional service and line support at competitive prices.”

Meridian Hayward currently features a 6,300 sq. ft. terminal, 3.5 acres of ramp space and a 30,000 sq. ft. hangar that can accommodate any size corporate aircraft, including large cabin jets. As part of the company’s overall growth strategy, plans are well underway to build a brand new 40,000 sq. ft. hangar, as well as expand the terminal facility and enhance the amenities for both crew and passengers.

“It is very gratifying to be recognized by our customers for our commitment to excellence and a desire to provide the best value for our services,” added Rodriguez. “Both our Hayward facility and our Teterboro facility are committed to always putting the customer first.” Meridian’s East Coast FBO, Meridian Teterboro, has been the CAA Preferred FBO at Teterboro Airport since 1996.

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Executive Terminal (FBO) Meridian Hayward Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Attains IS-BAH Stage II Registration
Hayward and Teterboro Both Achieve Next Level Safety Certification

Members of the Meridian Teterboro team display the recently earned IS-BAH Stage II certificate.

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that both its Hayward (HWD) and Teterboro (TEB) facilities have achieved IS-BAH Stage II certification. The International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) is an industry code of best practices developed by the international business aviation community for the benefit of its members. The IS-BAH registration process, which was initiated in 2014 by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), ensures handling systems, processes and practices meet rigorous safety and security standards. The standard is based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices in the preparation of handling business aircraft. Both FBOs have been Stage I registered since June 2020.

According to IBAC, the IS-BAH auditing process focuses on development of a safety management system (SMS) through a gradual process of advancing maturity. Stage I confirms that an organization has established an SMS infrastructure and that safety management activities are appropriately targeted. Stage II ensures that the safety risks are being effectively managed.

“When we decided to pursue the IS-BAH certification, we had always planned to progress from the initial stage to Stage II,” said Carlos Rodriguez, HWD General Manager. “For Stage I registration, we developed an entire SMS and Ground Handling Manuals. To move on to Stage II, Meridian had to demonstrate that our SMS is maturing and evolving with our company needs.” Although not a requirement, the company plans to pursue Stage III at some future point.

The Meridian Hayward team proudly displays their IS-BAH Stage II certificate.

Stage II certification required significant involvement from Meridian employees. A total of 21 interviews with team members at both Hayward and Teterboro were conducted during this process. “Our team demonstrated to the auditors that we are living our commitment to safety every day,” said Victor Rodriguez, Line Service Manager at Teterboro. “Their participation and support were an important element in helping Meridian achieve Stage II certification.”

As part of his responsibilities, Victor oversees the Safety and Training program at Teterboro. Carlos, who is also Victor’s brother, coordinates Hayward’s Safety and Training program. Both have been instrumental in managing the IS-BAH certification process for Meridian.

“IS-BAH Stage II registration is a significant accomplishment for Meridian as it goes beyond having an SMS in place,” added Carlos. “It demonstrates our commitment to a daily safety culture and shows our dedication to the highest standards in everything we do.”

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Meridian Hayward Meridian Teterboro Uncategorized

Meridian Ranks Among Top FBOs in Industry Surveys – Hayward and Teterboro Both Receive Recognition for Outstanding Service

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to again be recognized among the nation’s best Fixed Base Operators (FBO) in two of the industry’s leading surveys. In the Aviation International News (AIN) annual FBO survey, Meridian Teterboro was voted among the Top 5% of all FBOs in the Americas and was the only FBO from the Northeast region, which includes the NYC metro area, recognized in that category. Meridian’s West Coast FBO, Meridian Hayward, was ranked in the Top 10% for the first time, and was listed among the Top 3 FBOs in the San Francisco/Oakland area.

In the Professional Pilot (ProPilot) annual PRASE survey, Meridian was rated the #1 FBO at Teterboro Airport and ranked #13 among all US FBOs. Meridian was also voted the #7 Best Independent FBO in the country. Meridian is the only independently owned FBO at TEB, and has operated under the same family ownership since 1946.

Both surveys also recognize individual customer service performance, and Meridian is proud that several of our employees were honored. Victor Seda, Customer Service Manager at Meridian TEB, ranked #3 among the best Customers Service Representatives (CSR) in the ProPilot survey, while two other CSRs were acknowledged by AIN in the “Above and Beyond” category. Jenny Deitschman, Customer Service Supervisor at Meridian HWD, and Betsy Wines, VP of Customer Service at Meridian TEB, were both recognized for their dedication, commitment to excellence and always putting the customer first.

“Since Meridian Hayward opened its doors in 2016, our team has worked hard to provide the same level of outstanding service that customers have come to expect from Meridian,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Hayward’s General Manager. “We are honored that our customers appreciate our efforts and rate our FBO so highly.”

“It is rewarding that our continued commitment to be the best is recognized and appreciated by our customers,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian President. “We are proud of our legacy of exceptional service and sincerely thank our customers for their support and confidence in us.”

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Maintenance Meridian Teterboro

Duncan Aviation’s Teterboro Satellite Moves To Meridian’s Hangar, Adds Airframe-Specific Services


Duncan Aviation is pleased to announce it has moved its Teterboro, New Jersey, Satellite into hangar space provided by long-time Teterboro Airport (TEB) Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Meridian. Duncan Aviation and Meridian will offer complementary services for their mutual customers: Duncan Aviation will continue to provide avionics repair and installation services and has added some airframe-specific services, as well. Meridian will continue to offer the FBO services they have proudly and safely offered for the last 70 years.
For the past year, Duncan Aviation and Meridian have been in discussions, as both companies wanted to continue offering airframe services on the field. Over the last several months, Duncan Aviation has added equipment and staff and gained FAA certification for its new facility and new airframe-specific services.
As a demonstration of the goodwill between the two companies and the continuity of the airframe services offered at TEB, Duncan Aviation hired former Meridian Airframe Technician Michael Kotosky to head its airframe team.
“Mike came to me and said he’d like to help build our airframe shop,” says Manager of the Duncan Aviation Teterboro Satellite Jeff Glanville, “and we feel fortunate to have him. With his expertise, we’re building this from scratch. We’ve been approved by the FAA for airframe work, and our Ops-Specs now reflect that.”
Kotosky really enjoyed working for Meridian, and he’s especially pleased with the new relationship forged by the two companies. Although he’s worked on the same field as Glanville and his team for the last three years, he was nonetheless taken aback by all Duncan Aviation has to offer customers.
“I knew about Duncan Aviation’s avionics abilities, but until I visited the full-service Duncan Aviation facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, I had no idea all of the products and services Duncan Aviation has to offer its customers,” says Kotosky. “I am amazed and grateful for the support I’m receiving from everyone throughout Duncan Aviation, and I’m especially excited for our airframe potential here in Teterboro.”
After attending Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians in Stratford, Connecticut, and earning his A&P licenses, Kotosky worked at Bombardier’s Hartford Service Center for four years, and then joined the team at Meridian.
Since 1992, Duncan Aviation has provided avionics support at Teterboro, but the team would have to send customers elsewhere for airframe services
“I believe adding airframe services, such as small inspections, Chapter 12 services (oxygen, tire, strut, and fluid services), brakes, and squawk work, among others, is a great convenience for our customers. Combined with the FBO services Meridian offers, we’re now a one-stop shop,” says Glanville. “Less than 40 minutes away, we have our Duncan Aviation team at Morristown, and they can provide full battery support, and we have our Rapid Response Team (RRT) located in Wilmington, Delaware, so they can come here and provide engine support for our customers who need it.”
Kotosky adds, “In the near future, we intend to add equipment and technicians and continue to grow our airframe services for our customers. We have a 1500-hour inspection scheduled on a Global, and the Duncan Aviation RRT will be here to do the engine work. As an added convenience for our customers, billing for Duncan Aviation’s services will go through Meridian, so there will be only one bill to contend with.”
“As our colleagues at Duncan Aviation noted, having them located at our facility will be a great benefit for customers,” said Meridian President Steve Chandoha. “Duncan Aviation’s commitment to excellence mirrors Meridian’s, so we’re very pleased at the additional capabilities we will be able to offer customers.”
Manager of Duncan Aviation’s Satellite Operations Matt Nelson says this new relationship with Meridian will allow both companies to do what they do best as they serve customers in the area.
“Our relationship with Meridian allows both of us to build on our brands and continue to create a strong, local presence,” says Nelson.

Categories
General

Teterboro Airport Recognized by ACI for Health and Safety Measures Accreditation –
Complements Meridian’s Commitment to Safe Operations


Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that Airports Council International (ACI) has renewed Teterboro Airport’s accreditation in ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation program. The accreditation is based on an evaluation of the health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teterboro’s certification included an assessment of the standards implemented by the airport authority and the various business operations based at the airport, including Meridian. Teterboro was the first general aviation airport in the world to achieve this accreditation.
“To maintain its accreditation, the airport had to demonstrate that it is following the plan that was submitted last year,” said Victor Rodriguez, Meridian’s Safety and Training Coordinator. Mr. Rodriguez, who was the primary point of contact with the airport authorities, was responsible for ensuring compliance and providing documentation during the audit to help maintain the accreditation for Meridian. In addition to his safety responsibilities, Victor also serves as the company’s Line Service Manager.
“The results of ACI’s evaluation process showed that ‘TEB demonstrated an admirable continuation of its efforts to provide a safe airport experience for all travelers in line with the recommended health measures established in the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force Recommendations along with industry best practices,’” Rodriguez added. “As an FBO on the field, we are proud of Teterboro’s continued commitment to prioritizing health and safety measures.”
“The initial accreditation was undertaken last year by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the airports under their control, which includes Teterboro,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian President. “As a general aviation airport, to achieve and then renew this certification, Teterboro needed the participation of all five FBOs at the airport. Each FBO submitted their information which was then consolidated into the airport application. As the airport activity continues to increase, this continued accreditation should give travelers, as well as those that use or work at the airport and the various businesses on the field, added peace of mind.”
As an individual FBO, Meridian is also accredited as a GBAC STAR™ facility. This accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) is given to those facilities that have established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents such as COVID-19. Meridian received the GBAC STAR designation earlier this year, and will shortly begin submitting the necessary documentation for renewal.
Both Meridian FBOs (TEB and HWD) are also Safety 1st Clean certified facilities by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). The registration recognizes the company’s commitment to following best practices and guidelines from both the NATA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) around cleaning, disinfecting and hygiene, as well as ongoing education and training. Conformance to the Safety 1st Clean standard also requires that the organization has a Hazard Communication Plan in place, which Meridian does as part of its IS-BAH accreditation.
“We are committed to best practices in everything we do, and our commitment to the highest level of compliance around cleaning and disinfecting is no different,” added Chandoha. “We believe demonstrating our conformance and commitment to the high health and safety standards required to earn these accreditations lets customers know they can expect the best and safest protocols when they come to Meridian and Teterboro Airport.”

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Meridian Cares

Meridian Rallys to Support Thanksgiving Food Drive

Meridian Cares, the company’s Social Corporate Responsibility Committee, stands behind donations by staff members from all departments. In total, there were 12 full boxes of food donations for Eva’s Village.

Today representatives from Eva’s Village, located in Paterson, NJ, will be picking up 12 boxes of food items and gift cards donated by Meridian employees as part of their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Eva’s Village provides recovery and support services to the local community by helping thousands of men, women, and children each year by addressing basic needs of food and shelter, as well as complex issues around addiction, mental illness, and chronic homelessness. Meridian is proud to support this organization, especially during the Thanksgiving season, and we would like to thank our staff members who generously contributed to this very worthy cause.

For more information, go to www.evasvillage.org

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Detailing Executive Terminal (FBO) General Line Service Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Names Director of Ground Operations

Nehemias Camacho

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to welcome Nehemias Camacho as Director of Ground Operations. “Camacho”, as he is commonly called by his colleagues and friends, assumed the newly-created position on July 26.
Camacho, who most recently served as a Manager of Ramp Services at United Airlines, spent 21 years with Meridian, primarily as Line Services Manager. Camacho joined United in early 2020 in what he calls “a rare opportunity to experience the commercial side of the aviation industry.”
“We are delighted to welcome Camacho back to Meridian,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian President. “The experience he gained at United, coupled with his knowledge, skills and previous tenure at Meridian, complements the expertise he brings to this new position. This is especially relevant as we strive to deliver the best possible FBO experience.”
Last year, Meridian made the strategic decision to realign its business units to focus exclusively on its core FBO business. Meridian currently has two world-class FBOs that continue the company’s long legacy of excellence and outstanding customer service.
As Director of Ground Operations at Meridian Teterboro, Camacho has overall responsibility for the departments of Line Service, Security, Ground Service Equipment and Detailing. As the company continues to experience an uptick in business and growth, his role will be expanding.
“It’s really great being back at Meridian,” said Camacho. “Returning to the company was seamless in some ways, but in other ways, it’s very different with the added responsibilities of my new position. One thing that has remained the same is the feeling of being with family that working at Meridian gives you.
“I made the decision to join United because it was an opportunity to learn something new,” Camacho continued. “I definitely learned some things that I had not been exposed to in business aviation, and at the same time, there were skills I learned at Meridian that I was able to implement at United. I feel that I made an impact with United’s leadership team while also improving the relationship between frontline employees and leaders. Motivating others to provide the best service to every customer made me realize how much I appreciated Meridian and what it stands for.”
“These are exciting times for Meridian,” added Chandoha. “Along with Camacho and the rest of the Meridian team, we will continue to do what we do best – put every customer first.”

Categories
Customer Service Meridian Teterboro

Andrea Politis Celebrates Tenure at Meridian

Andrea Politis (center) celebrates her tenure at Meridian with colleagues.

Andrea Politis, one of our longtime Customer Service Representatives, took a moment today to celebrate her tenure at Meridian with colleagues and friends. Andrea will be joining the Short Hills Aviation team, one of our longtime customers, as their Charter Coordinator. She will be responsible for the scheduling and dispatching of the company’s fleet. We wish you the best of luck in your new position Andrea!