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: aircraft management
Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is proud to announce that it has been accepted as a verified Products and Services member of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), the only aviation organization that accredits aircraft dealers. Aviation Product and Service providers are thoroughly vetted before acceptance to assure the highest ethical standards and levels of experience.
IADA specialists offer buyers and sellers of preowned aircraft the best advice available to make the most appropriate deals. IADA’s Products and Services members have been verified by the organization to assist in aircraft transactions. In addition, more than 40 IADA-accredited dealers specialize in representing buyers and sellers.
Products and Services members are those companies whose primary focus is related to the support of an aircraft transaction, whether their expertise is finance, legal, tax, escrow, or maintenance. The membership application process for Products and Services membership is rigorous. It begins with an applicant completing the standard application. As part of the application process, the candidate will contact three IADA members to ask for their support as a sponsor. The IADA membership votes on new Products & Services applicants twice a year.
Patti Ann Sullivan, Meridian’s VP of Aircraft Management, quickly welcomed the news. “IADA is a premier organization for aviation companies. We are both excited and honored to be part of this prestigious group. Aircraft Management is one of our core business offerings, so it’s a natural fit for us. We look forward to contributing our expertise and resources to help expand the mission of the organization, as well as to support fellow member companies.”
“As the world’s only accredited aircraft dealer organization, we are pleased to have Meridian as a new Products and Services member,” said IADA Executive Director Wayne Starling. “Meridian strengthens our organization during a pivotal economic time when buyers and sellers of aircraft are navigating a rapidly changing economic environment.”
Meridian is pleased to announce that Patti Ann Sullivan has been named Vice President of Aircraft Management. In her new position, Ms. Sullivan will oversee the sales of aircraft management services and will be responsible for driving the growth of the aircraft management business. Ms. Sullivan has extensive business aviation experience, specializing in aircraft banking, finance and sales. She will be based at the company’s headquarters at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ.
“I am delighted to welcome Patti to the Meridian team,” says Emil Iannone, Meridian’s Chief Operating Officer. “Her background and experience in multiple disciplines within the industry will be a definite asset as we continue to grow our aircraft management business and, more importantly, strengthen our client relationships.”
Ms. Sullivan’s responsibilities include developing and visiting prospective new clients, negotiating aircraft management agreements, coordinating with other Meridian departments to ensure a smooth transition from the sales process to in-service operation and managing regional sales executives. In addition, she will focus on the needs of existing customers, offering counsel on the optimum operational and financial strategies to maximize the value and efficiency of their aircraft ownership. Ms. Sullivan will also be an active presence in the industry, representing the company at various events and association meetings.
“I am delighted to join such a well-respected organization as Meridian,” says Sullivan. “Meridian is a leader in the business aviation industry and is well-known for its outstanding customer satisfaction and commitment to excellence. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of our aircraft management business.”
Prior to joining Meridian, Ms. Sullivan was Executive Vice President of Elevate Jet, an aircraft management and charter company in Bedford, MA. She also worked for Executive Jet Management (EJM), serving as an East Coast Vice President of Aircraft Management and Owner Services, successfully increasing the company’s market share in the region. Prior to EJM, Ms. Sullivan held several positions of increasing responsibility in the aviation finance sector with a variety of leading institutions, including Key Bank and Textron Financial. She also has extensive experience providing strategic, operational and financial advisory services to aircraft management, charter and executive aviation enterprises.
Ms. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Boston University. She has earned Dale Carnegie Certificates in Sales, Presentation and Leadership Effectiveness. She is a past Board Member of NAFA, MBAA and NARA (associate) and is a member of NBAA, HAI, NATA and IAWA.
Teterboro, NJ, April 9, 2014 – Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport, is pleased to announce that Mike Moore has been promoted to VP of Aviation Sales for Meridian Air Charter. Mr. Moore has been with Meridian since 2008 in the role of selling Aircraft Management. Moore’s history at Meridian extends even further back to when he worked there as a Charter representative from 1994 to 1996, when the company was known as Million Air Charter. Mike is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has over 20 years of aviation experience.
Mr. Moore will continue to have ongoing responsibilities for his Aircraft Management duties, including budgeting, retention and development. He will also continue to lead Meridian’s Retail Sales team, a group of aviation professionals located around the country who are dedicated to growing the charter business through new retail customers. In addition, Moore will also be tasked with the development and growth of Meridian’s expansion into the Northern California market.
Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Air Charter, said, “Mike has earned a well-deserved promotion for his contributions to the team. Since he began his responsibilities in Aircraft Management, Mike has driven the growth of the Meridian managed fleet into a wide spectrum of types that spans from a Citation Mustang to a Gulfstream G550. In his new position as VP, Mike will continue to be responsible for developing both the breadth and depth of our fleet, with an added focus towards the Northern California region as we continue our expansion to the West Coast and beyond.”
Meridian Air Charter Adds Greensboro, NC Based Challenger 601 3A – ER to Fleet of Charter Aircraft
TETERBORO, NJ, November 2, 2009– Meridian Air Charter, a private aviation services company, expanded their charter fleet aircraft with recent addition of a Challenger 601 3A- ER – extended range aircraft. The Challenger 601 3A- ER is large sized jet of comfort and productivity. The aircraft is based in Greensboro NC (GSO) and is available for charter.
“The Mid Atlantic region is an under supported charter market for quality cabin class jets; a charter friendly Challenger 601 based in Greensboro, NC should be a great success for us,” said Director of Charter Sales and Client Services, Andrew Ladouceur. “We are working with the owner on reduced position fees to make the plane very competitive in this charter market.”The Challenger 601 3A/ER is a cost efficient extended range business aircraft that offers great value and comfort and is aesthetically pleasing. The white exterior is accented with garnet, cobalt and navy striping. The welcoming cabin is furnished with smooth leather and soft fabric textures. The colors boast stately and nautical tones combining deep slate blue, brilliant white and foggy grey and a sandy toned carpet that softens the palette. Golden oak woodwork with inlay design is a natural, crisp compliment to the cabin’s décor. Travel with ease with the Challenger’s berthable seats and private lavatory with sink. The aircraft comfortably accommodates nine passengers and is equipped with a full galley. Travel time may be spent productively or relaxingly while lounging in the plush leather seats to view the flight via Airshow® or enjoy the DVD-CD player entertainment system in the main cabin.
Meridian is a full-service private aviation services, company headquartered in Teterboro, New Jersey for over 60 years. Still privately owned and operated since 1946, Meridian’s accumulated expertise offers a complete suite of professional aviation services: Meridian Teterboro-FBO Services
Meridian Jet Center-FAA authorized repair station
- Meridian Air Charter
- Meridian Aircraft Management
- Meridian Jet Center Detailing
For more information on this or any other Jet in our fleet, visit www.nycjets.com, or call one of our travel professionals, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-882-2333
Meridian – A Fine Line
By K.White, CAMP InSight, July 2009
Among the many important navigational resources of the world is the prime meridian. This imaginary line of longitude travels from the North to South Pole connecting all locations running along it. Prior to its establishment, the location of zero degrees was a matter of discretion – in fact, as many as fourteen different locations were being identified as zero degrees longitude on various pre-ninetieth century maps. For instance, there existed the Paris Meridian and the Washington, D.C. Meridian, as well as the Madrid, Brussels, Pisa, Stockholm, Mecca, and Great Pyramid of Giza meridians, plus more. Greenwich alone had four meridians.
It wasn’t until twenty-five nations joined together at the International Meridian Conference of 1884 that this ambiguous beast was tamed. The “line” through Greenwich, England – passing through the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, in east London, United Kingdom – was named the single zero degrees reference point, making navigation, communication, and “connecting” cohesive.
Meridian is no stranger to making a connection. As a family owned and operated, full-service aviation business Meridian knows the importance of connecting with people, as well as with destinations. Ken Forester, Jr., CEO, shared, “We are proud of our longevity and the fact that we are a family business that has been serving Teterboro [Teterboro Airport (TEB), Teterboro, New Jersey] for 63 years. We’re rewarded by the relationships we have with our customers, and we’re certainly proud of our employees. Together they are the key to the whole business.”
Meridian’s mission is: To be the full-service, Teterboro headquartered, private aviation services company that consistently delivers a truly extraordinary experience leaving our customers feeling welcomed, well cared for, and confident that they made a smart choice.
Just how is this accomplished? What achievements represent this mission? The answer? It boils down to a sincere effort, unparalleled dedication to the industry and to people, and an extensive set of capabilities. With grace, patience, and diligence, Meridian has positioned itself as “the line by which all others are measured.”
Established
Meridian is distinguished as being “the longest continuously operating aviation services company in the New York Metropolitan area.” Meridian’s roots originate with founder Ken Forester, Sr. Forester’s aviation career began in 1941 at the age of eighteen when he earned his civilian pilot’s license. The following year he joined the U.S. Army Air corps (USAAF) and served as a test pilot from 1944 to 1946. While in the military, Forester flew most of America’s WWII fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft including the P-59 Aircomet (the U.S.’s first jet) and the P-80 Shooting Star (the first fighter jet used operationally by the USAAF).
In 1946, shortly after he was discharged, Forester began converting military transport aircraft for executive operation. He founded Mallard Air Service at Teterboro Airport. He went on to create General Aviation Company, which opened its doors for operation in 1958. General Aviation has since evolved to become the full-service Meridian Aviation Company of today.
In 2008, Forester was inducted to the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in recognition of his hard work and unwavering contribution to aviation at Teterboro Airport. In January 2002, he was awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award. The FAA’s “Master Mechanic” award recognizes aviation maintenance professionals who have at least 50 years experience in the aviation maintenance industry. Forester obtained his aviation mechanic’s license during the last year of his USAAF enlistment.
Capabilities
Today, Meridian’s accumulated expertise is concentrated into four business units: Meridian Teterboro (FBO), Meridian Air Charter, Meridian Jet Center, and Meridian Aircraft Management. Operating to the highest of standards, Meridian focuses on private aircraft charter, management, maintenance, detailing, executive terminal services, and exquisite customer service. Meridian is ARG/US Gold Plus rated and maintains a perfect safety record. Be it charter, management, maintenance or business practice, Meridian is a class act.
Charter Meridian Air Charter is as exclusive as it is luxurious, appealing to the private traveler’s palette with aircraft that suits his/her speed, level of privacy, desire for amenities, and cost requirements. Meridian Charter knows no boundary. It has the capability to travel to any destination worldwide.
Its fleet is diverse and composed of the finest aircraft available. The following aircraft are operated by Meridian Charter under Air Carrier Certificate #IMJA053F: Citations (Excel, Excel XLS), Hawker 800’s (XP, SP), Falcons (2000/2000 EX, 900’s), Gulfstreams (IV’s, IV SP’s), a Challenger 601, and a Global.
Additional aircraft available to Meridian Charter, operated by FAR Part 135 Carriers, include Learjets (31/35 and 45, 55C, 60), Citations (CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, Bravo, III, V, VII, X), Hawkers (400XP, 700, 1000), Westwind II, Gulfstreams (G100, 200, 400, 500/550, II, III, V), Falcons (20F, 200, 50/50EX), Challenger (300, 601-3R, 604), a Premier 1, Global Express, Boeing BBJ, and an Embraer Legacy.
In addition to its Teterboro headquarters, Meridian has aircraft based throughout the country including in the states of Colorado and New York.
The charter services include, but not limited to, immediate price quotes by phone or internet, an online live chat option, flight crews that have been carefully chosen and trained recurrently in full motion simulators, and an attentive, skilled staff available 24 hours a day to help clients plan. Meridian believes that chartering aircraft should be convenient, time saving, and cost efficient.
Management Meridian’s management services are tailored to owners with the intent of simplifying ownership and promoting partnership. In all that it does, Meridian aims to create long lasting, honest relationships with its clientele. From flight standards to flight operations, maintenance management to air charter management or financial control/reporting, Meridian Aircraft Management exceeds expectation and offers an effective, cost-efficient means to operate by.
Maintenance Meridian Jet Center provides round-the-clock service – 24/7/365! Here again, staff is top-notch, well trained, and professional. In fact, Meridian’s maintenance staff has earned the FAA Diamond Award for delivering unparalleled service. It is the maintenance team’s mission to keep the aircraft “out of the hangar, on budget, and ready for dispatch.” Safety goes without saying.
This FAA-Approved full-service repair station (certificate #IMJR053F) is a Honeywell authorized line service center, Honeywell parts and exchange depot, and Bombardier warranty work center. It is certified to handle Learjets, Citations, Falcons, Challengers, Beechjets, and Gulfstreams. Furthermore, repairs on other aircraft are available upon request. Meridian Jet Center also stocks thousands of parts. From common replacements to hard-to-find parts, Meridian has it. From airframe inspection and repair to troubleshooting, Meridian does it. From avionic repair and installation to service bulletin compliance and everything in between, Meridian is skilled at it.
The maintenance staff is also skilled in the CAMP application. As the former D.O.M., Dennis O’Connell, President and GIV pilot, affirmed that CAMP lends to Meridian’s capabilities. “CAMP is an excellent tool. I know that our maintenance group is very happy with it.” He shared his satisfaction with the reporting aspects of the application and noted that “the interactive nature of the technology is great” as is the accessibility from anywhere, at anytime. O’Connell expressed complete confidence in CAMP’s product and abilities as a service provider.
Detailing Meridian Jet Center also provides a detailing service run by highly trained and certified personnel whose sole responsibility is aircraft detailing. Using only the best products available, the detailing crew meticulously attends to the Meridian fleet and extends their talents to aircraft outside the fleet.
Executive terminal services In 2006, Meridian opened the doors to its new FBO and hangar at Teterboro. The facilities – spacious, plush, and inviting – ushered in “a new chapter” for the organization, “aligning services, experience and passion for superior private aviation under one roof.” The 30,000 square foot executive terminal is state-of-the-art, with details catering to both passenger and pilot to be had in every square inch.
With wireless internet access, an executive lounge, conference rooms, convenient transportation options, and more, passenger amenities have been carefully considered. Pilots will find their needs met with complimentary crew cars, pilots’ lounge, large-screen theater, a sleep room, showers, a gym, a flight planning room, and more.
Still, the greatest asset to be found at the terminal is Meridian’s warm, friendly staff ready to greet and assist all those passing by.
Navigating
Shaped and educated by its longevity, Forester suggested that perhaps the secret to success over the years simply dwells in everyday life lessons – be honest, be trustworthy, be personable, promote integrity, and do unto others. “We are a small industry and reputation is absolutely critical. You have to be honest and you have to be a good neighbor. Our clients trust us to do what’s right, to train our staff properly, to use sound equipment, and bill them fairly. This is the basis upon which we’ve grown. Ours is a word-of-mouth business; integrity is critical.”
Meridian has also been an attentive student in its life lessons, taking notes from history on the successes and failures of others in the industry. “We’ve certainly learned a lot by watching what’s happening in the industry, and from our own experiences too,” said Forester.
Whether self-taught or by observation, Meridian has come to abide by an open door policy where management is easily accessible to both staff and clients alike. “One of the most appealing points about Meridian is that you can get in touch with any manager in the company. Clients have direct access to anybody from the top down. The door is always open here,” said O’Connell.
Furthermore, he confidently described the organization as being full of “good listeners” and having “strong internal company communications.” Both very fine attributes, and “a big help” said O’Connell, when operating a multi-faceted, intricate organization such as Meridian.
Meridian’s growth through the years has been based on the belief that slow and steady wins the race. A gradual, natural progression is the answer. “Our overall philosophy is not to get ahead of ourselves,” stated O’Connell. O’Connell has had the pleasure of working his way up through the company, gaining valuable knowledge of every facet of the organization along the way, and observing first hand the advantages of natural growth in this family establishment.
Forester is confident that Meridian will continue to flourish, that there is plenty of room for growth. However, he affirmed that the company has no desire to grow faster than its team can keep up with the customer service. In fact, Meridian is renown for its ability to provide its clientele with exceptional service. Meridian holds two top-ten positions on the ProPilot “Best Customer Service Representative” survey. Additionally, Meridian Teterboro was voted #14 FBO overall on the survey, a climb of six positions above the previous year.
Meridian is exceptionally proud to acknowledge Victor Seda and Betsy Wines. Seda, Customer Service Manager, made the list for the second year in a row, presently holding spot #7. Wines, VP of Human Resources and Customer Service, has held the #1 position on the survey since 1996. Wines began her career at Meridian in 1985. Forester described her as being “a wonderful person and a great employee.” O’Connell shared, “She has a wealth of knowledge, she’s great with our clients, great with the employees. She is a very consistent person.”
An undeniable factor contributing to the success of Meridian is the involvement of the company’s owners – phenomenal, proactive, and personal. Maureen Maloney, Marketing Manager, simply explained, “Ken, our CEO, is an amazing leader and owner.” O’Connell said, “The feeling of family flows throughout the whole company. This is a great family to work for.”
Forester, Sr., at age 87, still pokes his head into the office. “He’s not the retiring type,” described Forester of his father. The elder Forester’s presence brings, without question, a great sense of pride and pleasure to the employees of Meridian. Both O’Connell and Maloney made point to acknowledge him, as did his son. He is clearly a positive influence, a dynamic presence, and instrumental to this spirit of this organization.
Among its four divisions, Meridian has nearly 200 employees – a great many have been with the company for numerous years. It seems that job seekers tend to find a home at Meridian (true for customers as well). At Meridian, people are treated with respect. Employees are able to develop and grow their talents and are given the opportunity to advance their careers. Many a team member has begun at the bottom of the ladder and climbed industriously through the ranks. O’Connell explained, “We empower our employees to make decisions. And they are responsible for their actions.”
Forester notes the company’s culture as being another reason why growth is important to the organization. “We want to grow new opportunities for our people so that they have options and can improve their professional experience.”
On the Horizon
As for the future, Forester shared that the company is always open to prospect. While Teterboro has always been the operation’s focal point, Forester said that he would consider “expanding the business [FBO and maintenance] to other geographic locations if an opportunity presented itself.” In the meantime, business is plentiful in Teterboro according to Forester.
To learn more about Meridian, visit www.MeridianTEB.com.
Ken Forester, CEO of the Meridian Companies at Teterboro is a recent newly elected member of the NATA’s Board of Directors
As per NATA:
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is the leading organization representing aviation service businesses such as fixed base operators, charter providers, aircraft management companies including those supporting fractional shareholders, maintenance and repair organizations, flight training and airline service companies.
Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members’ prosperity.
“Ken Forester is the Ceo of the Meridian Companies at Teterboro and has over fifty years experience in the General Aviation Industry. Currently he is qualified in the Cessna Citation.and otehr type ratings include the Learjet and GUlfstreat IV. Ken Flew the F102 in the U.S. airforce after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
“We are delighted to have such an outstanding and talented new class of board members,”NATA’s President James Coyne Stated, “It is critical that the NATA Board of Directors guide the association ensuring continued economic growth and financial viability while reinforcing that safety is the highest priority for all its members.”
In the last several months Meridian has seen a large increase in the amount of aircraft owners seeking new management. This increased activity will certainly translate to revenue on the management side. With the private jet charter business in a slowdown, more and more aircraft owners are unhappy with the results they’re getting from their current aircraft management company. This has many owners thinking change….and change is in the air. Meridian is a solid company that has a foundation rooted with over 60 year’s experience.
Meridian Aircraft Management Welcomes Mike Moore as Director of Aviation Sales
We’d like to welcome Mike Moore, Meridian’s new Director of Aviation Sales, to the team. Mike brings over 17 years of aviation experience with a proven track record in the successful promotion of aircraft management services and the development of aircraft acquisition capabilities.
. Mike is a pilot and a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
“We are excited to have Mr. Moore join our team,” said Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Aircraft Management. “As our Director of Aviation Sales, Mike will be able to leverage our full suite of aircraft services to find new and exciting opportunities.”
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