Tag: Meridian air charter

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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
Charter Sales

Jeremy Ojerholm Joins Meridian Air Charter

Jeremy Ojerholm Joins Meridian Air Charter

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that Jeremy Ojerholm has joined its charter sales team as a Charter Sales Executive. Mr. Ojerholm will be based at the company’s newly opened sales office at Opa-Locka Executive Airport in Miami, FL. He will be responsible for growing the overall retail charter business as well as focus on business development in the South Florida market.
“We currently have charter sales offices in key areas of the country, including the West Coast and the Northeast Corridor, and the addition of a sales office in Florida is part of our growth strategy,” said Chris Battaglia, Meridian’s Director of Charter Sales. “Our enhanced presence in this major market area gives us more opportunities to reach new customers as well as serve our existing clients. Jeremy’s background and experience will be a great asset in our continued growth, and I am pleased to welcome him to our team.”
Mr. Ojerholm has worked in business aviation for over 17 years, and comes to Meridian with an extensive background in charter sales/operations, jet card membership programs, aircraft sourcing and scheduling, direct client and aircraft owner relations, and FBO services. He has prior experience with many well-known business aviation companies, including Bohlke International Airways, Alerion Aviation, M&N Aviation, Signature Flight Support, and Sentient Flight Group.
Prior to his tenure in aviation, Mr. Ojerholm worked at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts where he won many awards for Guest Services, including the coveted “Employee of the Year” award and Where magazine’s “Guest Ambassador of the Year” award for the City of Boston. Jeremy, who is originally from Boston, is an Honors Graduate of Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. He currently resides in Miami and will work from Meridian’s new charter sales office located in Fontainebleau Aviation at Opa-Locka Executive Airport.

Categories
General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Adds Challenger 650 to Fleet

Meridian Air Charter recently added this 2018 Challenger 650 (N562RT) to its managed fleet. The aircraft is now based in West Palm Beach, FL.

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.
The luxurious cabin in this Challenger 650 (N562RT) offers passengers all of the comforts and connectivity needed for long haul business trips.

Categories
General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Adds Another Gulfstream G550 to Fleet

Meridian Air Charter's latest fleet addition is a beautiful Gulfstream G550 based in Gary, IN (GYY).
Meridian Air Charter’s latest fleet addition is a beautiful Gulfstream G550 based in Gary, IN (GYY).

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.
Meridian Air Charter's Gulfstream G550 (N970SG) - Cabin Forward View
Meridian Air Charter’s Gulfstream G550 (N970SG) – Cabin Forward View

Categories
General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Earns NetJets Award Seven Quarters in a Row

Meridian's Charter Sales team proudly displays its awards from NetJets for being the top subcontract provider in the Northeast. Meridian Air Charter has received this prestigious honor for seven consecutive quarters.
Meridian’s Charter Sales team proudly displays its awards from NetJets for being the top subcontract provider in the Northeast. Meridian Air Charter has received this prestigious honor for seven consecutive quarters.

Meridian Air Charter is very pleased to have been named the top subcontract provider for NetJets in the Northeast region for the first and second quarters of 2017. The recent honors mark seven quarters in a row that Meridian has earned this prestigious award. Meridian’s first award was presented in Q3 of 2015, and has continued consecutively since then.
NetJets is a private aviation company that specializes in fractional ownership of business jets. While the company operates its own fleet of aircraft, it occasionally 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 seven 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.”

Categories
General Private Air Charter

Dennis O’Connell Celebrates 30 Year Milestone at Meridian

Dennis O'Connell (right), President of Meridian Air Charter, celebrates 30 years at Meridian. He joins the prestigious Meridian "30 Club" along with Ken Forester (left), Aida Libiran (2nd from left), and Betsy Wines.
Dennis O’Connell (right), President of Meridian Air Charter, celebrates 30 years at Meridian. He joins the prestigious Meridian “30 Club” along with Ken Forester (left), Aida Libiran (2nd from left), and Betsy Wines.

Meridian is proud to celebrate Dennis O’Connell’s 30th anniversary as a member of our team. Dennis, who is President of Meridian Air Charter, joined Meridian in 1986, when the company was still known as General Aviation Company. He had spent the two previous summers working for the company, and after graduating from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, he returned as a full-time employee. Dennis joined the company as things were beginning to really grow. In 1983, a new charter company had been formed and then in 1984, a new hangar and terminal were built. The following year, the company began selling jet fuel, and in 1986, became part of the Million Air FBO franchise network. Dennis assumed the role of Manager of the FBO.
Dennis has been involved in almost every facet of what is today Meridian. He worked with the flight school, when it was active. He also flew some of the charter trips, and is type-rated in the Gulfstream II/III/IV and Cessna Citation. In 1990, he became Director of Maintenance for the charter company and in 2001, moved fulltime to the charter side of the company and served as Vice President, then President of Meridian Air Charter.
When asked about some of the significant changes during his tenure, Dennis commented that what really stuck him was how much the company had grown, both in terms of its size, the number of employees and the overall business areas of the company. “I always knew that we would grow,” he said, “but if you asked me to look ahead 30 years, I wouldn’t have believed that we would have grown this much.”
Over the years, the company has pursued a measured growth strategy, which Dennis says has been “very manageable” and has made Meridian a great place to work. He also is appreciative of the longevity of others in the organization. “There are several of us who have been here 25-30 years, which is somewhat unusual in the aviation industry.”
Dennis is excited about the future. Meridian’s expansion to the West Coast is the latest example of the company’s growth strategy. The new facility at Hayward will serve as West Coast base for Meridian Air Charter and Meridian Aircraft Management. Dennis says the physical presence is important as the company grows its managed fleet out there, which in turn will increase charter opportunities.
Of his 30 years at Meridian, he says, “I really enjoy the work, and have been fortunate to have experienced many facets here—flying, maintenance and management, to name just a few activities. It’s been fun. No two days are the same.”
Congratulations Dennis on your 30-year milestone with Meridian!

Categories
General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Earns NetJets Award in Q2

Meridian Air Charter has been named the top subcontract provider for NetJets in the Northeast region for the second quarter of 2016 (Q2’16). This is the fourth quarter in a row that Meridian has earned this prestigious award. (Standing left to right: Brian Potter, Chris Battaglia, and Pedro Cardona. Seated left to right: Delia Roldan, Maria Bochman, Lisa Liliebladh, and Amber Salvatore.)
Meridian Air Charter has been named the top subcontract provider for NetJets in the Northeast region for the second quarter of 2016 (Q2’16). This is the fourth quarter in a row that Meridian has earned this prestigious award. (Standing left to right: Brian Potter, Chris Battaglia, and Pedro Cardona. Seated left to right: Delia Roldan, Maria Bochman, Lisa Liliebladh, and Amber Salvatore.)

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 second quarter of 2016 (Q2’16). This is the fourth 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 quarter 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, “I am very proud of our team for this milestone achievement. There are challenges inherent in our everyday business activity because things can change in a moment’s notice. We understand the need to be proactive to avoid various disruptions in planning and operations. The key has been in our consistent practices and values which creates a culture for ongoing success. We are honored by NetJets for this award.”

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter’s Francisco Cabrera Earns FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License

Francisco Cabrera, Aircraft Dispatcher at Meridian Air Charter
Francisco Cabrera, Aircraft Dispatcher at Meridian Air Charter

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport, is pleased to announce that Francisco Cabrera (a.k.a. ‘Cisco’) recently earned his FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License. The Aircraft Dispatcher is responsible for authorizing and overseeing the operation of a flight from before takeoff to after landing. Often referred to as “The Pilot on the Ground”, the Dispatcher prepares flight plans, taking into account important factors such as weather conditions, fuel requirements, and potential hazards, with knowledge of aircraft limitations and FAA regulations, to ensure the safe completion of each flight.
The certification means that Mr. Cabrera can now assume full scheduling and dispatch responsibilities in the Flight Operations department at Meridian Air Charter. He completed the program on April 4, 2016 at the FlightSafety International facility located at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The program at FlightSafety is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) -approved course, which fully prepares participants for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification (Licensing) Exams. The initial course exceeds FAA regulations by providing 24 hours over the required 200 hours of instruction.
In 2005, Mr. Cabrera began his aviation career working in the Line Service department at Meridian Teterboro, the company’s Fixed Base Operation (FBO). After ten years of experience and proving himself on the ramp, he expressed interest in broadening his skills to other areas of aviation, particularly flight operations. In October 2015, a Flight Coordinator position became available in the Charter group, and this was the opportunity that he had been waiting for. He interviewed for the position and was offered the job. After accepting the offer, he eventually transitioned over from the FBO to Charter into his current role as an Aircraft Dispatcher.
We are proud of Cisco for completing this challenging program. Congratulations from all of your colleagues at Meridian!

Categories
Aircraft Management General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Adds Gulfstream GIV-SP to Fleet

Gulfstream GIV-SP (N999AA) - Exterior View
Gulfstream GIV-SP (N999AA) – Exterior View

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce the addition of a Gulfstream GIV-SP (N999AA) to its growing charter fleet of private business jets. This long range aircraft was completed in 1996 and the interior was completely upgraded and refurbished in 2009. It seats up to thirteen passengers, and has the capacity to sleep up to seven for long haul trips. It is based at Teterboro Airport, and is immediately available for charter (Certificate IMJA053F).
The Gulfstream GIV is a large cabin twinjet manufactured from 1985 until 2003 by Gulfstream Aerospace, a General Dynamics company. Gulfstream upgraded the GIV to the GIV-SP (Special Performance) configuration in 1992 with more reliable components, a 7,500 pound increase in the maximum landing weight, a 2,500 pound increase in the zero fuel weight, and was fitted with more robust brakes. It has a range of up to 4,860 statute miles with a maximum speed of 581 mph. The GIV’s cockpit was the first civil aviation aircraft to feature digital flight management computers, which increased fuel efficiency while reducing pilot workload. The GIV was the Gulfstream flagship until the launch of the Gulfstream GV in 1995.
This GIV-SP comes fully-equipped with all of the features and amenities expected from today’s discerning business traveler: leather club seating, a full galley with microwave and convection ovens, coffee maker, private lavatory with sink, and a separate lavatory for crew members. The aircraft also features the latest technology, including complimentary domestic Wifi, an inflight satellite phone system, large bulkhead monitors with Airshow® moving maps, individual viewing monitors, and a multimedia entertainment center that features Blu-Ray and CD players.
Dennis O’Connell, President of Meridian Air Charter, says, “We are very excited to be adding another long range aircraft to our charter fleet. Our fleet has been growing rapidly, especially in 2016. This Gulfstream GIV-SP will be the twenty-second charter aircraft on our certificate, and the third one added this year. We think that our clients will be impressed with the impeccably redesigned cabin which offers comfort and convenience to both business and leisure travelers. Another big advantage is that the aircraft does not require owner approval before booking, allowing for an expedited flight approval process.”
Meridian currently manages a wide range of aircraft types that are available for private charter: 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, Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS, and Citation VII. Other aircraft types can also be obtained through Meridian’s extensive network of qualified operators.
Gulfstream GIV-SP (N999AA) - Cabin Aft View
Gulfstream GIV-SP (N999AA) – Cabin Aft View

Categories
Aircraft Management General Private Air Charter

Meridian Air Charter Adds Falcon 7X to Fleet

Falcon 7X (N221HJ) - Exterior
Falcon 7X (N221HJ) – Exterior

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ, is pleased to announce the addition of a Falcon 7X (N221HJ) to its growing charter fleet of private business jets. This ultra-long range aircraft was completed in 2008, and seats up to fourteen passengers. It also has the capacity to sleep up to seven for long haul trips. It is based at Teterboro Airport, and is immediately available for charter (Certificate IMJA053F).
The Falcon 7X is a large cabin, tri-jet manufactured by Dassault Falcon Jet. It has a range of up to 6,847 statute miles with a maximum speed of 592 mph, and it is the first business jet to incorporate fly-by-wire technology, a system that replaces conventional manual flight controls with an electronic interface. Until the launch of the Falcon 8X in 2014, the 7X model was the company’s flagship and debuted at the Paris Air Show in 2005.
This late-model Falcon comes fully-equipped with all of the features and amenities expected from today’s discerning business traveler: leather club seating, a full galley with microwave and convection ovens, coffee maker and espresso machine, private lavatory with sink, and even a wine cooler refrigerator.
The aircraft also features the latest technology, including complimentary domestic Wifi, an inflight satellite phone system, large 18” bulkhead monitors with Airshow® 3D moving maps, individual viewing monitors, a multi-function printer/copier/fax machine, and a multimedia entertainment center that features a DVD/CD player.
Mike Moore, VP of Aviation Sales, says, “We are truly excited to be able to offer this beautiful Falcon 7X to our clients. While this is not our first ultra-long range jet in our managed fleet, it is our first 7X. This Dassault model now gives us the opportunity to cater to our transatlantic customers who want to choose from a range of options. With plenty of room to stretch out on long haul trips, and with all the modern amenities onboard, we expect demand to be high for this charter aircraft.”
Meridian currently manages a wide range of aircraft types that are available for private charter: 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, Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS, and Citation VII. Other aircraft types can also be obtained through Meridian’s extensive network of qualified operators.
Falcon 7X (N221HJ) - Cabin Forward View
Falcon 7X (N221HJ) – Cabin Forward View