Tag: Anniversary

Categories
Charter Operations Charter Sales General

Meridian Celebrates 30 Years of Jet Charter

The flight operations team of Meridian Air Charter poses with the original air carrier certificate to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Meridian is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its jet charter business. General Aviation Flying Service, as the charter company was originally known, was formed in 1983. In September 1989, it added its first jet, a Citation SII, to its fleet of piston aircraft. In 1986, General Aviation Flying Service became Million Air Charter Teterboro when its FBO joined the aviation franchise. In 2004, the company evolved into Meridian Air Charter, as it is known today.

“We officially entered the jet age in 1989 when the owner of one of the piston aircraft we managed acquired a jet,” said Ken Forester, Meridian’s CEO. “From there we continued to grow and add additional aircraft, as well as open our FAA-approved repair station.”

In 1997, the company began operating a Gulfstream II, marking its entry into the large-cabin charter business. Today, Meridian Air Charter has a diverse fleet of aircraft, ranging from ultra-long-range to midsize and light jets. “We’ve seen a lot of growth over the last 30 years, both with our charter division and with the rest of the company,” added Forester. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to serving our customers for many years to come.”

Meridian currently manages a wide range of aircraft types that are available for private charter. Our extensive fleet includes the Global 5000, Gulfstream G550, Falcon 7X, Gulfstream GIV-SP, Falcon 900EX EASy, Challenger 650, Challenger 605, Challenger 604, Falcon 2000EX EASy, Gulfstream G200, and Hawker 900XP. In addition, other aircraft types are available through Meridian’s extensive network of qualified operators. 

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General Private Air Charter

Meridian Celebrates Chief Pilot’s 20th Anniversary

The Meridian team celebrates Bob’s 20 years with cake!

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!
Bob Ferraro in the cockpit of a Citation during the earlier years of his impressive career (2001).

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General

Meridian Celebrates Steve Chandoha’s 30 Year Anniversary

Steve Chandoha, President of Meridian Teterboro, celebrates his 30th Anniversary at the company
Steve Chandoha, President of Meridian Teterboro, celebrates his 30th Anniversary at the company.

On January 4, Steve Chandoha, President of Meridian Teterboro, celebrated 30 years as a member of the Meridian team. Steve started his career with Meridian in 1988 after earning his Master of Business Administration/Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also received his Bachelor’s degree from Embry Riddle.

Steve joined Meridian as Flight School Manager. As corporate aviation at Teterboro intensified, Steve moved to the FBO side of the business and served as Line Service Manager. He then moved up to General Manager, Vice President and became President of Meridian Teterboro in 2002.

Steve got the aviation bug early–around age 15. He loved flying and got his glider license and then his pilot license and various ratings while at Embry-Riddle. As his career progressed, his focus turned more to the business side. While no longer actively flying, Steve obviously loves aviation, and loves working at Meridian.

“Every day is different,” says Steve. “You start your day planning certain activities, then something comes up or something happens and the day totally changes.”

While each day is different, the one thing that always stays the same is the supportive attitude of Ken Forester, Owner and CEO. Steve says that his support and encouragement fosters a culture that contributes to the longevity of so many employees. “There is an amazing group of talented people that work here; many of them for well over 20 years. It is a true pleasure to work with them every day.”

An early photo of Steve (circa 1993) while at the front desk of the old Million Air Teterboro FBO
An early photo of Steve (circa 1993) while at the front desk of the old Million Air Teterboro FBO

Steve says it is hard to believe that it has already been 30 years since he joined Meridian. He still looks forward to coming to work every day and is excited about what the future holds for the company.

Congratulations Steve on 30 years with Meridian!