Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company with locations at Teterboro Airport and Hayward Executive Airport, is pleased to announce the addition of a Gulfstream G550 (N970SG) business jet to its ever-growing managed fleet. This aircraft is conveniently based in Gary, Indiana (GYY) to serve its Chicago area customers. This ultra long-range jet was manufactured in 2007 and fully refurbished and repainted in 2016. The aircraft is now available for charter (Certificate IMJA053F).
The spacious cabin can accommodate up to 18 passengers, and can fly a distance of 6,750 nm/12,501 km at Mach 0.80 with eight passengers and four crew. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710-C4-11 engines, the Gulfstream G550 has the longest range of any business jet in its class. In addition, this aircraft is FANS 1/A Compliant, which will allow direct data link communication between the pilot and the Air Traffic Controller. Communications include air traffic control clearances, pilot requests, and position reporting.
This aircraft is well-appointed with a range of amenities including complimentary domestic Wi-Fi, inflight satellite phone system, Airshow® 3D 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, coffee maker and cold storage, as well as an aft private lavatory with sink, forward crew lavatory, onboard security system and inflight cameras complete the onboard furnishings that make this aircraft attractive for international trips.
“We are extremely pleased to offer our customers in the Chicago market a great option for long haul trips,” said Chris Battaglia, Director of Charter Sales. “This G550 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, Falcon 2000, Challenger 605, Challenger 604, Challenger 601, Gulfstream G200, Hawker 900XP, Citation XLS, and Citation VII. In addition, other aircraft types are available through Meridian’s extensive network of qualified operators.
Tag: Chicago
On Thursday, September 12, 2013, NBAA held its Chicago/Waukegan Regional Forum at Waukegan Regional Airport (UGN), located about one hour north of Chicago. Meridian made a strong showing at the event with a team of five to represent the company at the exhibit booth. Meridian gave away its signature t-shirts in the colors of the Chicago Bears to guests who stopped by the booth. The company also held a raffle for a free weekend rental of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and gift bag, compliments of Woodstock Harley-Davidson. Congratulations to the winner, Jay Doig, Assistant General Manager at B. Coleman Aviation in Gary, IN.
As NBAA states on its website, the value of business aviation in supporting jobs, economic activity and local investment in the Chicagoland area was highlighted by the strong turnout and high level of enthusiasm among attendees and exhibitors. The event was held in the Landmark Aviation hangar at UGN, which featured more than 80 exhibitors, 14 aircraft on static display and more than 1,000 attendees from the business aviation community.
Mayor Wayne Motley of Waukegan, who spoke at the event’s opening session, underscored his support for business aviation, and pointed out the direct benefit the industry’s presence has for all citizens in the local area. “This airport community is a gateway to our local community,” the mayor declared. He was joined in addressing forum attendees by Waukegan Port District Chairman Jorge Torres.
The two local officials and the opening session Attendees heard from Dick Doubrava, NBAA’s director of legislative affairs, who provided a report about the Association’s ongoing work to represent their interests in Washington.
In his remarks, Doubrava told the audience that much progress had been made in recent years to promote and grow the House and Senate General Aviation (GA) Caucuses, which are bipartisan groups of congressional lawmakers who bring their support for GA to debates about policy proposals affecting the industry. “Only four years ago, there were no congressional GA caucuses,” Doubrava noted. “Today, we have over 200 caucus members, including one-third of the Senate.”
Doubrava added that NBAA and other GA organizations have continually worked to inform the caucus members about the value of all GA segments, including business aviation, but that NBAA’s work could only be most effective if the people with the Association’s Member Companies directly advocated about the industry’s priorities with elected officials. “You are our best advocates,” Doubrava told those at the event.
At scheduled education sessions, attendees also learned about developing safety management systems, a new “FileSmart” educational initiative to encourage companies to file early and accurate flight plans and various congressional policies of importance to the industry, including the “Pilots’ Bill of Rights,” passed by Congress last year.
The Waukegan event marked NBAA’s final Regional Forum for 2013. The association’s 2014 forums will be held at airports in Florida, California and Texas.
