Category: Meridian Teterboro

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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) 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.

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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.”

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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!

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General Meridian Hayward Meridian Teterboro

Meridian FBOs Celebrate 75th Anniversary

Betsy Wines, Ken Forester, Susan Forester, and Steve Chandoha cut the cake to kick off the celebration of Meridian’s 75th Anniversary in Teterboro.

2020 was a tough year as COVID-19 upended the world and negatively impacted lives and businesses everywhere. Fortunately, 2021 is shaping up to be a much better year for Meridian. In April, the company received high marks in industry surveys for its outstanding customer service and world class amenities. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the company’s origins, begun by CEO Ken Forester’s father, Ken Sr. In July, the FBOs in Teterboro (TEB) and Hayward (HWD) took some time to reflect on the long history of the company and to have some much needed fun!
Meridian Hayward held its celebration on Friday, July 2. In addition to our employees, additional guests included family members, aircraft tenants, customers, airport staff, and of course, many of our aviation friends! The celebration included a BBQ, a cake, lots of food and beverages, balloons, music, and everything else you would find at a celebration. The day also included words of gratitude by GM Carlos Rodriguez to his professional and dedicated team, as well as a formal presentation of an award to CSR Jenny Deitschman by Ken Forester for earning a spot on the Above & Beyond list in this year’s AIN FBO Survey. Congratulations to Carlos, Jenny, and the entire Hayward team for doing such a great job and earning a well-deserved spot among the Top 20% of FBOs in the US!
Meridian Teterboro held its celebration a week later on Thursday, July 8. The Teterboro celebration covered all 3 shifts throughout the day, which included a BBQ, a cake, food and beverages, and lots of vintage photos from the over the decades. Many of the employees are still working here today, after 10+, 20+, and 30+ years of service! This is a real testament to the longevity of the company, thanks to its many loyal employees. The day also included recognition of an award received by AIN for ranking in the Top 10% of US FBOs. Ken Forester took a few moments to acknowledge all of the hard work and dedication by the Teterboro team for doing a great job day in and day out. Without such a dedicated team, we wouldn’t have the success that we do. He thanked everyone for their hard work and sacrifice during the pandemic.
To view the photo albums from both celebrations, click here.
We are already looking forward to the next 75 years!

Meridian Hayward is enjoying the celebration!

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Awarded GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce its recent certification by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) as a GBAC STAR™ facility. This accreditation 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.
The GBAC program was designed by ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry, to control the risks associated with infectious agents. It is the gold standard for demonstrating adherence to best practices for cleaning of facilities and employs a rigorous risk-based assessment to tailor cleaning and disinfecting regimens to specific spaces within each facility. In addition, it ensures that a facility’s cleaning professionals are specifically trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.
“Meridian has been following strict protocols throughout the pandemic,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian President. “This certification and validation of our efforts by outside experts underscores Meridian’s commitment to safe operations.”
Meridian’s receipt of this certification follows similar actions taken by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In November 2020, they announced that John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, New York Stewart and Teterboro Airports had received the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) World and ACI Americas. The recently developed Airport Health Accreditation program evaluates new health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meridian began working toward its individual FBO accreditation once Teterboro Airport (TEB) received ACI accreditation. TEB is the first General Aviation airport in the world with this accreditation.
The GBAC STAR accreditation is just the latest demonstration of Meridian’s continued diligence around safety and cleaning. In July 2020, both the Teterboro and Hayward FBO facilities received Safety 1st Clean registration from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). The registration recognizes Meridian’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 have a Hazard Communication Plan in place, which Meridian does as part of its IS-BAH accreditation. Meridian has been a participant in NATA’s overall Safety 1st program for over 20 years.
“We are committed to best practices in everything we do, and our commitment to the highest level of adherence around cleaning and disinfecting is no different,” added Chandoha. “We felt it was important to demonstrate our conformance and commitment to these exacting standards to our customers, employees and the public at large, and earning these accreditations lets customers know they can expect the best and safest protocols when they come to Meridian.”

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Meridian Hayward Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Receives High Marks in Industry Surveys – Hayward and Teterboro FBOs Honored as Company Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Meridian Teterboro was rated the #1 FBO in the New York City (NYC) metro area by the readers of Aviation International News (AIN) in its annual survey. Meridian was the only FBO at Teterboro Airport and the NYC metro area to be ranked in the top 10% of FBOs in the Americas. Meridian TEB was highly ranked for its pilot amenities and customer service as well. Professional Pilot’s (ProPilot) annual PRASE Survey also placed Meridian as the #1 FBO at Teterboro, and among the top ten FBOs in the US.
Meridian is unique in that it is the only FBO at TEB to operate under the same ownership since 1946. That legacy and experience has contributed to the success of its Hayward FBO, which was ranked among the top FBOs for the first time this year. AIN readers gave Meridian Hayward high marks, placing it in the top five FBOs in the West Region and one of the best FBOs in the greater San Francisco area. Additionally, the AIN survey recognizes those individual FBO employees who go “Above and Beyond”, and we are proud that HWD’s Jenny Deitschman, Customer Service Representative (CSR), was included on this year’s list.
“We are honored to be counted among the top FBOs on the West Coast,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Hayward’s General Manager. “Since our opening in 2016, our team has worked hard to provide outstanding service to each and every customer. I’m especially pleased to see Jenny recognized for her efforts as an outstanding CSR.” Jenny has been with Meridian Hayward since it opened for business.
Meridian was ranked as the 4th best independent FBO by ProPilot, and was the only FBO in the Northeast to be recognized in this category. The 2021 ranking is several spots ahead of last year, and we are proud that our continued commitment to striving to be the best resonated with customers.
“It’s very rewarding to know that our efforts are appreciated. We are honored to be recognized for our legacy of exceptional service,” said Ken Forester, Meridian’s CEO. “We sincerely thank our customers for their support and confidence in us. After 75 years, Meridian’s mission and focus are still the same-putting each customer first and delivering a truly personalized experience to everyone we serve.”

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Executive Terminal (FBO) General Marketing Meridian Hayward Meridian Teterboro

Meridian Announces Winner of Design Contest

Steven Bridgemohan (winner) and Michelle Coe (runner up) display the winning design of the company’s new email signature and business card.

Meridian recently held a company-wide contest among our employees to submit designs for new business cards and email signatures that reflect the company’s new vision. The winning entry was chosen for its crisp and clean design which mirrors our recently redesigned website and ties into the company’s revamped mission statement.
The winning concept was submitted by Steven Bridgemohan, a Technician in our Technology department. Another highly creative design was submitted by Michelle Coe, an Accounting Supervisor, who was our runner up. Both finalists earned cash prizes for their designs. Overall, there were 10 participants who submitted a total of 25 entries.
In late 2020, Meridian strategically realigned its business units to focus exclusively on our premier FBO business in Teterboro, NJ, and Hayward, CA. While our core mission has not changed, our company Mission Statement was updated to reflect our corporate identity and reinforce our unwavering commitment to our customers. We think the updated look of the new design exemplifies what we stand for.
We appreciate the talent of everyone on our team. We’re proud to see the engagement by our staff in the development of our vision, and pleased to announce that our new business cards and email signatures were created by one of our own employees!