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Customer Service Executive Terminal (FBO) General Line Service

Meridian Teterboro Honored Among Best FBOs

Ramp view of Meridian Teterboro, located at Teterboro Airport (KTEB).

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that it has again received recognition as one of the nation’s top FBOs in the industry’s leading surveys. The company’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in Teterboro (TEB) was voted in the top 5% of all US FBOs, as well as the #1 FBO in the Northeast and at TEB, by readers of Aviation International News (AIN) in its annual FBO survey. For the second year in a row, Meridian was the airport’s only FBO to rank in the top 5% of the AIN survey. The rankings are a result of customer feedback on facilities, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, line service and customer service representatives (CSRs), which are averaged to reach the FBOs’ final scores.
Meridian was also recognized as a top FBO by Professional Pilot’s (ProPilot) annual PRASE Survey. In addition to being rated one of the best independent FBOs in the country, the PRASE Survey ranked Meridian as the #1 FBO at TEB, the NYC Metro area and the Northeast. The survey once again recognized two of Meridian’s CSRs as among the best in the nation. For the 14th year in a row, Betsy Wines and Victor Seda have both been ranked in the top 5 for their “can-do attitude” and their strong commitment to excellence. Meridian is also proud to acknowledge that Betsy has been the #1 CSR in the PRASE Survey 19 times. AIN also quoted Betsy in a feature called Advice from CSR All Stars for her view on what makes a good customer service representative.
“Every member of our team, from Line Service to Security to our CSRs, is committed to delivering excellence each and every day,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian Teterboro President. “Our people are the difference and I think our customers value that. I’m very proud of Betsy and Victor and the entire staff at Meridian Teterboro.”
“We sincerely thank our customers for their support and confidence in us,” said Ken Forester, Meridian’s CEO. “We know customers have options when flying into Teterboro, and I am proud of the entire team who make every pilot and passenger feel welcomed. We look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come. We are committed to safe and healthy operations during this challenging time and have enhanced our procedures and implemented strict precautions at our facilities and onboard aircraft. Meridian is here for you and we continue to support our customers.”

Categories
General

Meridian Supports “Eva’s Village” Food Drive

Paul Fierro of Eva’s Village and Kelly Manzo of Meridian stand with the many bags of food donated by employees for the annual Eva’s Village Food Drive.

Meridian conducted its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of Eva’s Village, an organization dedicated to helping feed the hungry, by donating non-perishable food items brought in by employees.

This year, we filled over 20 bags with mac & cheese, soups, gravies, stuffing, and an assortment of other goods for the non-profit organization!

Eva’s Village opened its doors in Paterson New Jersey in 1982. They offer hot meals for up to 400 homeless and working poor per day, 365 days a year. Aside from these lunches, they serve breakfast and dinner to those staying in their outpatient recovery and sheltering programs. Their kitchen can produce up to 1,200 hot meals per day with over 438,000 hot meals served every year.

Aside from their kitchen and shelter, Eva’s Kitchen also runs an outpatient treatment program for those who are suffering from addiction, as well as job placement services. It’s an all-encompassing center to help people find their way back to a normal life.

Although the food drive has ended, you can still help Eva’s Village. If you would like to learn how, please visit their website at www.evasvillage.org.

Categories
General

Meridian Teterboro Voted Among Best FBOs in 2019

A ramp view of Meridian’s terminal and hangar at Teterboro Airport (KTEB)

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as one of the nation’s best FBOs by two of the leading industry surveys for 2019. The company’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in Teterboro was voted in the top 5% of all US FBOs, as well as the #1 FBO in the Northeast, by readers of Aviation International News (AIN) in its annual FBO survey. Readers of Professional Pilot (ProPilot) also voted Meridian Teterboro among the best FBOs in this year’s annual PRASE Survey.
In addition to ranking the FBOs, both surveys also measure individual performance. Meridian is proud to say that both Betsy Wines and Victor Seda continue to be recognized for their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. AIN voters distinguished Betsy Wines for routinely going “Above & Beyond”, while the ProPilot survey acknowledged both customer service representatives for their efforts. Wines ranked #2 and Seda ranked #4 in the Best CSR category, and 2019 marks the 13th year in a row that the two colleagues have been voted together in the top of the category.
The Meridian Teterboro Customer Service Team

“It’s gratifying to know that our efforts are appreciated,” said Ken Forester, Meridian’s CEO. “We know customers have options when flying into Teterboro, and I am proud of Betsy and Victor and the entire team who make every pilot and passenger feel welcomed. Our customers enjoy coming to Meridian because of the personal commitment we make to each customer and to each other.”
The 2019 AIN FBO Survey results were released on April 1, and the results of the Professional Pilot PRASE Survey were released on April 29. Meridian was again named the highest ranking FBO at Teterboro Airport in both surveys.
“These industry surveys are well-respected. The entire Meridian TEB team is honored to be recognized for our exceptional service,” Forester added. “We sincerely thank our customers for their support and confidence in us.”
The Meridian Teterboro Line Service Team

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO)

Meridian Voted Among Top FBOs in 2018

Meridian Teterboro was again voted among the top FBOs in 2018 according to several industry surveys.

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that it again received top industry recognition in 2018. The company’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) in Teterboro was again voted the top FBO in the Northeast by readers of Aviation International News (AIN) and by registered members of FltPlan.com in their 2018 FBO surveys. Readers of Professional Pilot (ProPilot) once again recognized two of Meridian’s customer service representatives among the top five in the nation in its annual PRASE Survey. The FBO was also ranked #1 at Teterboro Airport in all three surveys. These industry surveys are well-respected and the entire staff is honored to be recognized for its exceptional service.
Meridian was voted in the top 10% of all US FBOs in the AIN survey, while FltPlan.com’s Pilots’ Choice Awards rated Meridian #10 among its Top 50 US FBOs. ProPilot readers ranked Meridian among the top 15 Best US FBOs. The AIN and ProPilot surveys also measure individual customer service, and the company is proud to say that both Betsy Wines and Victor Seda continue to be recognized for their outstanding efforts. AIN recognized Betsy Wines for routinely going ‘Above & Beyond’, while ProPilot had both Wines and Seda ranked #1 and #5 respectively in the Best CSR category. This is the 18th time that Betsy has been voted Best CSR by ProPilot readers, and 2018 marks the 12th year in a row that Betsy and Victor have been together in the top of the category.
“Our entire team understands the importance of providing outstanding customer service in everything we do,” said Steve Chandoha, Meridian Teterboro President. “Every member of the team, from Line Service to Security to our CSRs, is committed to delivering excellence each and every day. Betsy and Victor exemplify these values with their strong work ethic and attention to detail. I am very proud of them, and the entire staff of Meridian Teterboro.”
“Meridian’s corporate culture is built on providing exceptional customer service,” said Betsy Wines, Vice President of Customer Service & Human Resources. “It is an honor to be recognized by our customers and industry colleagues for our commitment to excellence. We consider it a privilege to serve our customers and truly appreciate their recognition as the top FBO at Teterboro as well as one of the leading FBOs nationwide.”
“We are truly appreciative of being so favorably recognized in the industry’s annual FBO surveys,” added Ken Forester, Meridian CEO. “I am proud of the entire team that works to exceed expectations every day. We know customers have choices when they fly into Teterboro, and we are committed to making every pilot and passenger feel welcomed and well cared for when they arrive at Meridian.”

Categories
Aircraft Management General Private Air Charter

PlaneSense and Its All-New Pilatus PC-24 Touchdown at Meridian Teterboro

Among those onboard the PC-24's maiden voyage was (l to r): George Antoniadis, President and CEO of PlaneSense, Dave Verani, VP of Sales and Marketing, and the plane’s two pilots, Jim Georgelis and TJ Schipano.
Among those onboard the PC-24’s maiden voyage were (l to r): George Antoniadis, President and CEO of PlaneSense, Dave Verani, VP of Sales and Marketing, and the plane’s two pilots, Jim Georgelis and TJ Schipano.

This week, Meridian was honored to host PlaneSense and its brand-new, swiss-crafted, Pilatus PC-24 Jet, the first of six that PlaneSense plans to add to its fleet over the next two years. The twin-engine, eight passenger jet touched down at Meridian Teterboro on the morning of March 14th as part of PlaneSense’s efforts to complete operational capabilities in airports that fractional share holders have expressed an interest in, or that are already serviced by the company’s fleet of PC-12 turboprops and Nextant 400XTi jets. Among those onboard were George Antoniadis, President and CEO of PlaneSense, Dave Verani, VP of Sales and Marketing, and the plane’s two pilots, Jim Georgelis and TJ Schipano.
The PC-24 is described by Pilatus as, “the only aircraft combining the versatility of a turboprop with the cabin size of a medium-light jet, and the performance of a light jet”. Many in the industry believe that the jet doesn’t fit into existing categories, so they created a new one: Super Versatile Jet (SVJ). In addition to being “off-road” compatible, the jet has outstanding short-field performance, even on unpaved runways! This offers the aircraft a vast amount of mobility, over 20,000 runways to be exact. Passengers will now be able to fly closer to their final destination like never before with the use of smaller airports. Furthermore, they will be able to avoid tedious administrative procedures at larger airports and reduce their ground transfer times to a minimum.
Aside from the aircraft’s performance, the PC-24 features a unique interior designed for comfort and functionality. Pilatus ensures its passengers that only the finest-quality materials were used to create its interior. Soft-leathers and rare hardwood cabinetry are just some of the features you can expect to find within the exquisite aircraft. As if this wasn’t enough, the PC-24 has a generous amount of cabin space for a medium-light jet allowing exceptional headroom for its passengers and crew.
We would like to thank PlaneSense for choosing Meridian when bringing their fleet to Teterboro. PlaneSense is a leading national and international provider of fractional aircraft ownership and private flight. We value them as a customer and truly appreciate their business. We look forward to seeing this beautiful PC-24 more often at both our Teterboro and Hayward FBOs.
For more information on PlaneSense and its new PC-24, visit their website at, https://www.planesense.com/resources/introducing-the-pc-24-jet
 
 

Categories
General

Meridian Exhibits at 2018 West Palm Beach Regional

The Meridian Team working the booth at the NBAA Regional Forum at Palm Beach. (l to r) Bob Platten, Maria Bochman, Chris Battaglia, and Kirk Stephen.
The Meridian team working the booth at the NBAA Regional Forum in West Palm Beach.
(l to r) Bob Platten, Maria Bochman, Chris Battaglia, and Kirk Stephen.

Meridian is proud to have exhibited at the first NBAA Regional Forum of 2018 at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) on Wednesday, January 24. The company sent representatives from Charter Sales and Marketing to meet and greet visitors at its booth. The Meridian team was happy to see many familiar faces while also meeting new people in the industry, many who were exhibiting or attending for the first time.
This year’s event was hailed as the best forum NBAA ever had in Palm Beach. In fact, the event drew over 2,700 attendees and over 150 exhibitors. Both of these numbers set new records for the Palm Beach Forum. In addition, 30 aircraft and ground support vehicles were on static display creating an exciting environment for both the attendees and the exhibitors. Mike Nichols, NBAA’s Vice President of Operational Excellence and Professional Development, said of the Jan. 24 event, “The energy was phenomenal, and people were excited to be here”.
The event also focused on what the professional aviation industry can expect going forward in 2018. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen reiterated that, “We’re going to pick up 2018 where we left off last year, and that is by asking everybody in our community to be active and engaged. As we’re entering a new year, and we’re excited about the opportunities it brings”. Aside from this, Bolen discussed other initiatives the NBAA would focus on in 2018 including:

  • ATC Privatization
  • Workforce Development
  • Ethical Business Practices
  • Airport Access
  • International Advocacy

All in all, the forum ended up being a tremendous success for the Meridian team. It provided an invaluable opportunity for us to meet current customers and connect with new ones, as well as network with industry peers. We were pleased with the event’s exciting environment as well as the overwhelming amount of positive energy that surrounded the forum. Special thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by our booth and to those who made this event possible.
Meridian is planning to exhibit at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Long Beach, CA from February 6-9, 2018. Be sure to stop by our booth (#1340). You won’t want to miss our big raffle where the Grand Prize Winner will receive a new Apple iPhone X! We look forward to seeing you there.
 

Categories
General

Meridian Kicks Off Annual Gift Giving Drive

Center for HAS Logo Color
The holiday season is officially upon us, and with that so too is Center for Hope and Safety’s Annual Gift Drive. This will be the 24th consecutive year that the drive has taken place.  Meridian, along with other Teterboro-based aviation companies, gather together and donate new toys, games, clothes, shoes, gift cards, and other gifts for those in need.
Center for Hope and Safety’s mission is to assist women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual and physical abuse.  The agency provides emergency and transitional housing, emotional support, and a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.  Through community partnerships, Center for Hope and Safety raises awareness, provides services, and educates community members about domestic violence.
Meridian is proud to participate in such an impactful campaign that deliver’s holiday cheer to local families.  Donation boxes will be located on the 1st floor near the time clock, 2nd floor break room, and 3rd floor Charter Department.  Donations will be accepted through Thursday, December 14th.
Remember, the greatest gift of all is giving!  Together, we can continue the tradition of helping these families by providing them with a warm and loving holiday for 2017.
For more information about Center for Hope and Safety, please visit their website at http://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/
Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General

Meridian Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive to Benefit Eva’s Village

Eva's Village
Meridian was proud to participate in this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Eva’s Village, an organization dedicated to helping feed the hungry and poor. Employees came together and donated a variety of canned or non-perishable food items from their pantries at home. This year, we managed to fill 3 box loads of items for the non-profit organization!
Eva’s Village was founded in 1982 and is located in Paterson NJ. They provide hot meals for up to 400 homeless and working poor per day, 365 days a year. In addition to these lunches, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to those staying in their outpatient recovery and sheltering programs. The total output of their kitchen is 1,200 hot meals per day with more than 438,000 hot meals served annually.
Although the food drive has ended, you can still help Eva’s Village. If you would like to learn how, please visit their website at www.evasvillage.org.
 

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General

Longtime FBO Customer Treats Staff to Holiday Dinner

The Meridian Teterboro staff enjoys a tasty holiday dinner provided by longtime customer,  Mr. Jay Alix.
The Meridian Teterboro staff enjoys a tasty holiday dinner provided by longtime customer, Mr. Jay Alix.

Jay Alix is a longtime Meridian Teterboro customer and friend. He has been coming to our FBO with his Falcon 900 for at least the last 15 years, perhaps even longer. Those many years ago, Mr. Alix began a very generous tradition of providing a ham dinner to Meridian employees for taking care of his aircraft.
That tradition continues to this day, and has evolved into a full holiday meal that includes honey baked ham, smoked turkey, potatoes au gratin, green bean casserole and four different types of cheesecake! Meridian supplemented the meal with salad, pasta, fruit and cookies.
The ‘holiday’ dinner is always held in January, after the holidays, because it’s less busy for us, and the staff can enjoy the meal without feeling rushed. This year’s dinner was held on Thursday, January 12, 2017, in the first floor conference room, and included lunch or dinner for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts.
The entire Meridian team would like to thank Mr. Alix for his generosity and kindness for all these years. We are truly honored to serve you!

Categories
Executive Terminal (FBO) General

2016 FBO Surveys Rank Meridian #1 in Northeast

The Meridian Teterboro staff is honored by the 2016 FBO survey results.
The Meridian Teterboro staff is honored by the 2016 FBO survey results.

Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company based at Teterboro Airport, is pleased to announce that its FBO, Meridian Teterboro, has been voted the top FBO in the Northeast by Aviation International News (AIN) and FltPlan.com in 2016. Additionally, Meridian was voted the best FBO at Teterboro Airport in the Professional Pilot (ProPilot) PRASE Survey. All three of these industry surveys are well-respected and the entire staff is honored to be recognized for its exceptional service.
Meridian was voted in the top 10% of all US FBOs in the AIN survey, while ProPilot readers ranked Meridian as the 14th best US FBO. Pilots’ Choice Awards by FltPlan.com rated Meridian #3 among its Top 50 US FBOs. The AIN and ProPilot surveys also measure individual customer service, and the company is proud to say that both Betsy Wines and Victor Seda continue to be recognized for their outstanding efforts. AIN recognized Betsy Wines for going ‘Above & Beyond’, while ProPilot had both Wines and Seda ranked in the Best CSR category. The pair has been together in the Top 5 of the Best CSR category for the past 10 years.
Steve Chandoha, Meridian Teterboro President, credits his team as the main reason for the continuing high marks the company receives. “Our entire FBO team, from Security to Customer Service to Line Service, understands that we must treat our customers as individuals. Betsy and Victor continuously demonstrate these values with their work ethic and attention to detail. I am very proud of them, and the entire staff of Meridian Teterboro.”
“Exceptional service is the cornerstone of our corporate culture here at Meridian, and we are very pleased that our customers and colleagues see and appreciate that commitment,” said Betsy Wines, Vice President of Customer Service & Human Resources. “We are honored that they have named us the top FBO at the airport, as well as recognizing us as one of the leading FBOs nationwide.”
Ken Forester, Meridian CEO, summed up his appreciation of these survey results by saying, “I am proud of the entire team that works to exceed expectations every day. It is important to us that every pilot and passenger feels welcomed and valued when they arrive at Meridian. We understand that customers have choices when they fly into Teterboro, and we truly appreciate their business.”