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.
Tag: air charter
Meridian is pleased to announce that Emil Iannone has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Meridian Air Charter. He will be responsible for managing and streamlining the charter business, including charter operations, charter sales, aircraft management and marketing. Mr. Iannone has served as Director of Operations since 2013, when he returned to Meridian after 13 years in the financial industry. Mr. Iannone is based at the company’s headquarters at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ.
The organizational restructuring comes as part of the company’s overall growth strategy, and is designed to allow Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Air Charter, more time to focus on other critical aspects of the charter business. These include owner relations, aircraft maintenance, and accounting. Together, Mr. O’Connell and Mr. Iannone will be responsible for the strategic direction of the charter organization.
“I am very excited for this opportunity,” says Iannone. “I’m honored to be working side-by-side with Dennis to help ensure our charter operations meet the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace and continuing to grow our charter and aircraft management operations. I look forward to contributing to Meridian’s ongoing success.”
Mr. Iannone started flying in the mid-1980s at Teterboro Airport before attending American Flyers Academy. After graduating and earning his CFI, he returned to Meridian as an instructor pilot, moving up the ranks to Chief Pilot. In 1994, he was promoted to Director of Operations, overseeing the daily operations of Million Air Charter, when the company was part of the franchise. Iannone also spent some time during his early career flying for a private flight department. He is type rated in Gulfstream, Learjet and Cessna Citation aircraft.
In 2000, Mr. Iannone was offered the opportunity to take his talents and expertise to a New York City investment banking firm. As Senior Vice President, he oversaw the daily operations of several key areas of the company, including security, purchasing, and ground transportation. His managerial skills translated well from aviation to this environment and he spent a successful tenure there. In 2013, the allure of aviation brought him back to Meridian, when he rejoined the company as Director of Operations.
“We are very pleased to have Emil managing the day-to-day operations of Meridian Air Charter,” adds Ken Forester, CEO. “He has the operational experience and people skills to help navigate the challenges of the ever-changing charter landscape. Having operations, sales and marketing under his leadership will help us to compete more effectively in today’s marketplace. Emil’s new position will also allow Dennis greater bandwidth to focus on the other key areas of the operation. Together, they will be a powerful team in moving the business forward.”
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.
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company located in Teterboro, NJ (TEB) and Hayward, CA (HWD), has been assisting in the aid efforts being made for the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Less than two weeks after the storms made landfall on the island, Puerto Rico is now being faced with what officials are calling a “full-blown humanitarian crisis”. The citizens of the island are currently without running water and electricity. Furthermore, 80% of Puerto Rico’s crops have been destroyed, leaving its people desperate for help.
Throughout the past two weeks, we have seen heroic acts of humanitarianism come through our Teterboro FBO. Countless charter flights have been dispatched to help vacate loved ones from the island and to help aid those in need by providing basic supplies.
Recently, Meridian supported the efforts of author, entrepreneur, and reality TV star, Bethenny Frankel. Her B Strong Foundation, which was created to help support women and their families impacted by natural disasters, has raised over $300,000 and chartered 4 planes filled with essential family supplies! We at Meridian have extended a helping hand to her by serving as a storage and staging location for important items such as water, food, hygiene products, and even medical supplies.
We would like to thank everyone who is doing their part to help support Puerto Rico in this time of dire need, as well as the first responders who are continuing to provide support to the island. Nearly all of the U.S. territory’s 3.4 million citizens need our help recovering from the storm.
Click here to learn more on how to help:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/can-help-hurricane-victims-puerto-rico/
Click here to learn more about Bethenny Frankel’s B Strong initiative:
http://www.bethenny.com/bethenny/b-strong-find-yes/
Meridian Air Charter is very pleased to have been named the top subcontract provider for NetJets in the Northeast region for the third quarter of 2016 (Q3’16). This is the fifth quarter in a row that Meridian has earned this prestigious award. Meridian was also recognized for the same honor in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 and the first and second quarters of 2016.
NetJets is a private aviation company that specializes in fractional ownership of business jets. While the company operates its own fleet of aircraft, sometimes it may require additional lift from third party operators. NetJets, like Meridian, will only select available aircraft from a trusted network of business jet operators with a proven safety record. Meridian Air Charter has worked diligently to meet the rigorous requirements of the industry’s highest standards, including ARG/US Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, and IS-BAO Stage 2.
Chris Battaglia, Director of Charter Sales for Meridian Air Charter, says, “We are honored that the efforts of our team have been recognized by NetJets for five quarters running. This is a testament to our consistently high level of service in a demanding and complex industry. I am proud of our team who continues to provide and enhance the customer experience day in and day out.”
On Monday, April 18, 2016, Flight Safety International held its 18th Annual Customer Appreciation Golf Tournament at Robinson Ranch Golf Club in Santa Clarita, CA. Meridian was proud to be a first-time sponsor of Flight Safety’s West Coast golf outing. Every year, Meridian supports FSI’s East Coast tournament usually held in June at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel, NY. The company was well represented at Robinson Ranch by its California-based team, including Ken and Susan Forester, Kelly Pappas, Greg Johnson, MaKayla Hambek, and Tammy Vinas. Anthony Banome, based at Meridian’s Teterboro location in New Jersey, also made it out to the event.
Meridian sponsored the Putting Green competition, which was supported throughout the day by volunteers Ken, Susan, Kelly, MaKayla, and Tammy. The company set up a table that offered golfers water bottles, granola bars, hats and sunscreen. The putting contest winner was Steve Lee of Million Air, who had the low score of 5 strokes. A prize was also given to Travis Abbott of KACALP for having a score of 16, the highest number of strokes! In the meantime, Greg and Anthony braved the hot weather and played in the 90 degree heat on one of the two 18-hole golf courses.
Overall, the event was a big success, and went a long way to support the Southern California aviation community. The tournament had 205 players, setting a new attendance record for this event. There were 36 sponsors, also setting a new record. Lunch was provided during the outing, and a cocktail hour with a sit-down dinner and awards ceremony was held after the tournament. Prizes for Meridian folks included Kelly Pappas, who won a $100 raffle drawing, and Anthony Banome, who won a box of golf balls.
Meridian Air Charter is very pleased to announce that it has been named the top subcontract provider for NetJets in the Northeast region for the fourth quarter of 2015. This is the second quarter in a row that Meridian has earned this prestigious award. Meridian was also recognized for the same honor in the third quarter of 2015.
NetJets is a private aviation company that specializes in fractional ownership of business jets. While the company operates its own fleet of aircraft, sometimes it may require additional lift from third party operators. NetJets, like Meridian, will only select available aircraft from a trusted network of business jet operators with a proven safety record. Meridian Air Charter has worked diligently to meet the rigorous requirements of the industry’s highest standards, including ARG/US Platinum, Wyvern Wingman, and IS-BAO Stage 2.
Chris Battaglia, Director of Charter Sales for Meridian Air Charter, says, “For our company to be recognized in third quarter of 2015 was quite an accomplishment. Having achieved this award again in the fourth quarter is simply outstanding. We know firsthand the high level of teamwork and commitment required to make the process seamless for our clients and those of our partners. I am very proud of our Sales and Operations teams, and we at Meridian Air Charter are truly honored to receive another award from such a reputable company like NetJets.”
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce that Matthew Lipka has been selected by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as a recipient of its 2016 Leadership Conference Scholarship. The association’s Business Aviation Management Committee (BAMC) selected only two individuals among a large pool of applicants to receive this prestigious honor. The scholarship covers the recipient’s expenses incurred (up to $2,000) for attending the Conference.
Mr. Lipka’s career goals include becoming a leader and advocate of business aviation. Towards that end, he has been employed as a Flight Coordinator with Meridian Air Charter since 2012, he is a volunteer on NBAA’s Domestic Operations Committee, and he has earned a commercial multi-engine pilot license with a type rating in a Bombardier Challenger 300. Prior to joining Meridian, he worked as a fuel specialist with Everest Fuel Management. Mr. Lipka is a graduate of Daniel Webster College in Nashua, NH.
The Leadership Conference, which was held February 22 – 24, 2016 in San Antonio, TX, is designed for current and future leaders in the business aviation industry, ranging from aircraft operators to industry vendors who offer their aviation products and services. The event is sponsored by donations from the BAMC members, and representatives from member companies were in attendance at the event to recognize this year’s recipients. The Leadership Conference is now in its twelfth year and attendance was expected to reach 450 at this year’s event.
Mr. Lipka was grateful to be a scholarship recipient, and had this to say, “I am truly honored to be chosen to attend the 2016 Leadership Conference. It is a great opportunity for me to heighten my skills within the company, not just for my current role as a flight coordinator, but for any future endeavors in a management role at Meridian. To meet and speak with current leaders in their respective fields, and to incorporate methods and ideas for business success are invaluable tools that I will take away from this conference.”
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce that Kirk Stephen has been named Director of Marketing. Mr. Stephen has 20 years of marketing experience with an extensive background in brand management. In 2011, he joined Meridian as Marketing Manager, and was given responsibility for all of the company’s diverse business units, including Charter, FBO, Aircraft Management, and Aircraft Maintenance.
Since joining the organization, Mr. Stephen has been working towards his long-term strategy of unifying the Meridian companies under one master brand. His accomplishments include the consolidation of multiple domain names into one memorable website address (meridian.aero), the creation of the company’s first corporate brochure, the launch of a fully redesigned website, the debut of an impactful new trade show exhibit, the development of innovative print advertising, and the establishment of a strong presence on digital and mobile platforms.
After earning an MBA in Marketing from Rutgers University in 1995, he went on to work at several global consumer packaged goods companies, including Bayer, Reckitt Benckiser, and Cadbury. Over the years, Mr. Stephen successfully launched numerous new products and consumer programs for internationally known brands such as Bayer® Aspirin, Lysol®, Old English®, French’s® Mustard, Frank’s® Red Hot Sauce, Sour Patch Kids®, and Swedish Fish®.
Ken Forester, CEO, had this to say, “Kirk came to us over four years ago with an MBA in Marketing and an unbridled enthusiasm to learn the private aviation business. He turned out to be a quick study and has brought our marketing program to a new level. He has excelled in helping us to develop our reputation as a family business with unmatched capability in all of our aviation services.
He is an important part of our team, and we are looking forward to having him help us build the Meridian brand on the West Coast with the opening of our new facility in Hayward, CA, in 2016.”
Aviation Sales Executive
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce that MaKayla Hambek has been named Aviation Sales Executive at Meridian Air Charter. Ms. Hambek is a proven industry professional with experience in sales, marketing, client relations, customer service, and office management. She will be responsible for growing the Meridian brand in Hayward, CA, by developing the retail charter business on the West Coast. She will be located at a new Meridian sales office at Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, CA.
MaKayla began her aviation career with Baymark Aviation at Van Nuys Airport as an Assistant Office Manager. The following year, she moved across the field to Castle & Cooke Aviation, a nationally recognized Fixed Base Operator, where she became a Customer Service Representative. Since January 2013, MaKayla served as Client Relations Manager, where she was responsible for business development at all three Castle & Cooke locations. Her work experience and business management degree from California State University, Northridge, has well-prepared her for new role at Meridian Air Charter.
Mike Moore, VP of Aviation Sales, had this to say, “Meridian will be opening a new FBO and hangar at Hayward Executive Airport in 2016, which will also serve as our base of operations for our Charter and Management businesses on the West Coast. MaKayla’s role will be to help build our brand in Hayward and throughout California. She will be a great asset to our organization because of her experience and enthusiasm. We are truly excited to have her join our team.”