Jet Linx, the leading private jet management and jet card membership company in the United States, continued its strategic expansion in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state region by acquiring Meridian’s Aircraft Management and Air Charter business. Meridian is a full-service private aviation company headquartered at Teterboro Airport. While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the acquisition encompasses a fleet of 23 long range and short range private jet aircraft including Bombardier Global Express 6000 and 5000s, Gulfstream G550s, GVs, G450s, GIVSPs, Dassault Falcon 7Xs and 2000s, and Embraer Phenom 300s, among others. Upon closing the transaction, Jet Linx will become the largest private jet management and jet card membership company in the tri-state region and the second-largest aircraft management company in the United States with over 120 aircraft and 19 locations nationwide (FAA Part 135).
“This acquisition is a significant step in our strategic plan as we continue to enhance our fleet and flight operations serving the New York tri-state area and further develop the Company as the leader in private jet travel. It could also not be better timed as it follows the grand opening of our flagship private terminal at Teterboro Airport last September,” said Jamie Walker, President & CEO of Jet Linx Aviation. “It is an honor to have purchased Meridian Aircraft Management and Air Charter, one of the most admired, respected and trusted operators in the private jet industry. Like Jet Linx, Meridian is a family-owned business, and it will be our commitment and our privilege to continue their legacy of excellence, safety and service. This exemplifies and underscores our unwavering commitment to provide the highest standards of excellence and the finest service experience not only to our clients in the New York tri-state area, but nationwide, as Teterboro is the busiest private aviation airport in the U.S.”
With heritage that dates back to 1946 at Teterboro Airport, Meridian is a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) renowned for its enduring reputation for providing the New York metropolitan area with private aircraft fueling, hangaring, maintenance, management and charter services. Meridian has earned numerous industry awards and accolades over the years for its FBO services. As the longest continuously operating private aviation services company in the New York metropolitan area, Meridian will continue operating its FBO and aircraft maintenance businesses at Teterboro Airport and Hayward Executive Airport in California.
“Jet Linx aligns perfectly with Meridian’s values, culture and commitment to safety, and we could not be happier to have partnered with Jet Linx to purchase our aircraft management and charter business,” said Ken Forester, Owner & CEO of Meridian. “It was important for us to find the right company who would be able to take our existing aircraft management and charter business to the next level, and Jet Linx was the obvious choice. We are excited to continue supporting Jet Linx, and our former aircraft management and charter customers, through our FBO and aircraft maintenance businesses going forward.”
Jet Linx has become the leading private jet management and Jet Card company in the United States due to its unique and innovative business model. The company offers a far more personalized approach to guaranteed private jet travel solutions through individual, city specific, local operations. Jet Linx is committed to the highest and most stringent safety standards in the private aviation industry, and to the managed, strategic and sustained growth in private jet aircraft, jet card members and locations across the country.
2019 was a year of unprecedented achievement for Jet Linx; it established six new private base terminal locations across the country, and forged two groundbreaking and unprecedented partnerships – one with Forbes Travel Guide and the other with Southwest Airlines and CAE. The collaboration with Forbes Travel Guide – the world renowned and only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas – made Jet Linx the “Official Private Aviation Company” of Forbes Travel Guide as well as the first and only company in private aviation to establish and implement Forbes Travel Guide’s preeminent and unparalleled standards of service excellence. Jet Linx also collaborated with Forbes Travel Guide in the creation of customized, proprietary Jet Linx standards of service excellence for private aviation. Jet Linx joined forces with Southwest Airlines and CAE to create a groundbreaking pilot cadet program which provides a unique career pathway and lifecycle solution for pilots, facilitating entry into the aviation industry and providing opportunities for pilots to elevate and extend their careers. The company also acquired Elliott Aviation’s Aircraft Management & Charter business in Minneapolis, and following the purchase of Meridian Aircraft Management and Air Charter, the Company intends to make additional acquisitions of other respected and established private jet management companies as an integral part of its growth strategy and continued expansion across the United States.
Category: Private Air Charter
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce the addition of a new 2018 Challenger 650 (N562RT) business jet to its ever-growing managed fleet. The aircraft is based in West Palm Beach, FL, and conveniently serves our South Florida and New York City-area customers. This heavy jet is impeccably maintained both inside and out, and contains the modern amenities that discerning passengers require when choosing a business aircraft. It is immediately available for charter (Certificate IMJA053F).
The Challenger 650 claims the widest-in-class cabin, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers and can fly a maximum distance of 4,000 nm (7,408 km) under certain conditions. The aircraft has a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.80, and can reach a top speed of Mach 0.85. The flight deck features Bombardier Vision, an avionics system designed aesthetically and ergonomically for pilots.
This aircraft is well-equipped with modern technology, including complimentary high-speed domestic Wi-Fi, inflight satellite phone system, Airshow® moving maps and display, and a multimedia entertainment system with USB and iPad connectivity. Other essential amenities that are offered include a full galley with sink, microwave and convection ovens, coffee maker, and private lavatory with sink. The cabin is berthable and can sleep up to five people, making this aircraft an ideal option for both domestic and international trips.
“We are really excited to offer our clients based in Palm Beach and South Florida a brand-new charter aircraft that is perfect for trips to the Northeast, or any domestic destination in the continental US,” said Chris Battaglia, Director of Charter Sales. “This 2018 Challenger 605 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.”
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 GIV-SP, Falcon 7X, Falcon 900EX EASy, Falcon 2000EX EASy, Challenger 650, 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.
On Monday, November 12, 2018, the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey held its 45th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at the Fiesta Ballroom in Wood-Ridge, NJ. This tribute dinner honors local aviation pioneers and subsidizes the Hall of Fame and Museum, on Fred Wehran Drive in Teterboro, NJ. It is one of the museum’s biggest fund-raising events of the year.
Founded in 1972, the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey preserves Garden State’s distinguished, two-century aviation and space heritage. Men and women, whose outstanding aeronautical achievements have brought worldwide recognition to the state, are inducted into the Hall of Fame every year.
Meridian is a proud supporter of the museum and attends the Hall of Fame induction dinner every year. Ken Forester Sr., who founded Meridian with Bob Hewitt back in 1946, was inducted in 2008. His son, Meridian CEO, Ken Forester Jr., was among those who attended the ceremony for the company.
This event recognized four individuals, connected to New Jersey, who have each contributed to advancing human flight.
Congratulations to all of the 2018 Aviation Hall of Fame Inductees!
You can read their bios below.
Emil Buehler (1899-1983)
The Emil Buehler Trust was established in 1984 to perpetuate the memory of Emil Buehler and his commitment to aviation science and technology. Aviation visionary, architect and engineer. Emil Buehler was born 1899 in Alpirsbach, a small town in Germany. He first experienced flying at age 17 as a pilot in the World War I German navy. Following the war, he graduated from the University of Stuttgart with degrees in architecture and engineering – moving to America within the year to pursue his career. A pioneer in aeronautics as well as a designer of buildings, Mr. Buehler was actively involved in many of the significant aviation events that took place in New Jersey during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. He operated his own school of aeronautics at New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport, ran a seaplane base on the Hudson River, and later designed and personally supervised the construction of an aviation facility at the Executive Airport in Fort Lauderdale. His aeronautic involvements also included funding the development of a wind tunnel with Mach 3 capability – allowing the testing of space vehicles in design configurations at speeds up to three times the speed of sound. The internationally-known Emil Buehler Mach 3 wind tunnel is located at Rutgers, the State of New Jersey university, which in 1974 conferred on Emil Buehler the title of Eminent Engineer. His legacy of philanthropic commitment extends to a number of leading educational institutions, including Bergen Community College. Mr. Buehler died in 1983.
Linda Fritsche Castner (1947- )
Born and raised on Alexandria Field Airport, Linda Fritsche Castner’s legacy is as a pioneer in developing and implementing non-traditional outreach programs at public-use airports. She’s been a private pilot since she was 17 and is an Advanced Ground Instructor. Her company “Up, Up, and Away in Hunterdon, Inc.” provides innovative, aviation-themed content to participants as diverse as Pre-K students through corporate and academic professionals. Castner is a passionate advocate for the latent potential small airports have to become valued community assets for STEM education. Among Linda’s aviation accomplishments she is Co-Owner/Operator of Alexandria Field (N85), Master Aviation Educator (since 2015). The MAE is an achievement that few ever earn. She is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Association Board of Directors. Linda produced the Magic of Alexandria Balloon Festival for ten years (1989-1998) donating $210,000 to charities. She has written numerous articles and aviation program grants. The largest was in 2010 the Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education program grant for a total of $150,000 for which she served as the Program Director.
Huntley Lawrence (1963- )
Growing up in Queens, NY, next to LaGuardia Airport, Huntley developed a passion for aviation. As a young man, he attended an aviation program offered at Public School 127, and those early years were foundational in his lifelong passion for aviation. As a student at August Martin High School, Huntley selected a curriculum that provided him the opportunity to learn and excel in all aspects of aviation. His passion for aviation continued as a student at Florida Institute of Technology. He worked for the Port Authority as an intern while still in high school, and began his full-time career with the agency after his graduation from FIT. In the years that followed, Huntley held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in airport operations at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia airports. Following 9/11, the Short Hills, NJ resident helped manage the transition at Newark Liberty from civilian security under the FAA to oversight by the newly created U.S. Transportation Security Administration. He became General Manager for New Jersey Airports in 2011, Deputy Director of Aviation in 2014, and Director of Aviation in January 2017. As Director, Huntley is responsible for managing one of the world’s largest airport systems, comprising JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, Teterboro, and New York Stewart International airports. The airport system serves tens of millions of passengers annually while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity for the New York/New Jersey region.
Colonel Arthur E. Martone (1923- )
Colonel Arthur E. Martone a life-long New Jersey resident, enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and completed his training in 1943 as a fighter pilot. The colonel flew 166 combat mission during WWII. Flying a P-40 on his 166th mission, ironically on June 6th, 1944, Arthur was shot down eighty-miles behind enemy lines in Monte Cristo, Italy. Bailing out, although injured he was found and kept alive by Italian Partisans until American troops retook the area. For his service, Colonel Martone was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945. In 1947, Colonel Martone joined the Air National Guard, the 119th Fighter Squadron flying P-47s. Arthur was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. After the end of the Korean War, he assigned to the 141st Tactical Fighter Squadron, McGuire AFB flying F-84S; being recalled to active duty in 1961-1962 serving in France with the 141st Tactical Squadron flying 2,811 sorties. IN 1969, Arthur was promoted to Colonel. While at McGuire he served in many staff positions including eight-years as Director of Operations and Special Assistant to the Commander of the 108th Tactical Fighter Wing. In June of 1980, after serving with great distinction Colonel Martone retired. In 1986, he was honored with his name being placed on the F-84 he flew at a dedication aboard the USS Intrepid. In retirement, the Colonel was a member of the Monmouth Flying Club serving as Treasurer and President for ten years. He is still active as a speaker.
On July 19, 2018, the Hayward Police Department’s Special Response Unit had the opportunity, for the first time ever, to conduct training for helicopter rescue operations and marshalling at Meridian Hayward.
The unit was aided by a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin Eurocopter, specially designed for rescue operations, and a CHP (California Highway Patrol) A350 Eurocopter.
General Manager, Carlos Rodriguez, extended the invitation to return for any additional training the SRU may require: “It’s important to support the community and to give back, in any way we can, to those that protect it. We’re happy to have been able to help the Hayward Police Department and thank them for everything they do!”
Meridian is excited to have been able to assist the Hayward Police Department train for such a vital task and hopes to continue supporting the local communities surrounding all of our FBOs.
On Thursday, July 19, Meridian celebrated Chief Pilot, Bob Ferraro’s 20th year with Meridian.
Bob started in 1998 as a Flight Instructor for Million Air, which would eventually become Meridian. In 2000, he would begin observing and training pilots as a Check Airman and Training Captain until the year 2007, when he was promoted to Chief Pilot. Today, Bob ensures that Meridian’s crew performance meets our high standards and is compliant with FAA regulations by maintaining and carrying out our training regimen. He also assigns all crews to their flights and monitors their performance.
By his noteworthy accomplishments, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, Bob Ferraro has reflected upon Meridian and himself, the highest standards of the Aviation Industry.
Bob, congratulations and thank you for your twenty years with Meridian!
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce the opening of a new, state-of-the-art hangar at its New Jersey-based headquarters in Teterboro Airport. Construction on ‘Hangar 12’, as it is commonly known, is now complete and the structure is fully operational.
The new building replaces the original Hangar 12, which was demolished in the summer of 2016. This modern facility includes a 40,000 sq. ft. hangar and a two-story support building, effectively doubling the size of the previous facility. The first floor includes tenant office space as well as a comfortable customer reception area. The second floor is primarily reserved for charter support, including maintenance, quality assurance, and in-flight services. The hangar will serve as a maintenance facility, as well as provide parking accommodations for both managed and transient aircraft.
“The new Hangar 12 enhances Meridian’s footprint at TEB and gives us more space and flexibility for maintenance and allows us to hangar additional aircraft,” said Steve Chandoha, President of Meridian Teterboro. “As we continue to grow and as traffic increases in the busy Northeast corridor, this expansion will help us continue to serve our customers and meet their needs.”
In addition to Hangar 12, Meridian’s complex at Teterboro includes its headquarters facility, which features a 40,000 sq. ft. hangar and a 30,000 sq. ft. Executive Terminal, and another 22,000 sq. ft. hangar with additional office and support space at the south end of the airport.
The new Hangar 12 is designed to handle a variety of large-cabin aircraft, including the Gulfstream G650 and Global 6000. The facility features larger hangar doors for easy access and other features that will enhance service and support capabilities for Meridian customers.
On Monday, July 16, Meridian Air Charter received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award for 27 years of flight safety and 142,729 hours of accident-free flight. The National Business Aviation Association’s Commercial Business Flying Safety Award tracks years (from January 1 to December 31), and hours of flight time and is cross-referenced with the FAA. Meridian’s high safety standards have contributed to a stellar safety record for almost 30 years and is in good company with a short list of reputable companies that have managed to operate safely for over 25 years. The official rules and requirements for the award can be found at NBAA’s Flying Safety Awards page.
Meridian’s safety standard ranks among the highest in the industry. In addition to our own internal evaluation program, we also regularly undergo rigorous third-party audits conducted by the industry’s leading vendor and international industry auditing associations. Meridian is one of only 135 operators worldwide to hold the ARG/US Platinum rating, the highest level awarded. We are also IS-BAO Stage 2 Certified and IATA TCO Approved. We maintain the Wyvern Wingman Certification, which fewer than 100 operators currently hold worldwide.
Congratulations to the entire Meridian Air Charter team!
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.
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
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.