Meridian, the award-winning private aviation company, is pleased to announce that it has received Safety 1st Clean registration from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) for both its Teterboro (TEB) and Hayward (HWD) FBO facilities. The recognition demonstrates Meridian’s commitment to following best practices and guidelines from both the NATA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) around cleaning, disinfecting and hygiene, as well as ongoing education and training. In addition, conformance to the Safety 1st Clean standard requires that the organization have a Hazard Communication Plan in place, which Meridian already does as part of its IS-BAH accreditation.
“NATA developed the Safety 1st Clean standard to provide general guidance on facility cleaning, disinfecting and facility operations in response to the pandemic,” said Carlos Rodriguez, HWD General Manager. “While we were already aggressively following best practices and guidelines, as well as our own strict procedures, it is important that we demonstrate our conformance and commitment to the highest possible standards to our customers, employees and the public at large. Earning the Safety 1st Clean standard lets customers know they can expect the best and safest protocols when they come to Meridian.” A complete list of Safety 1st Clean FBOs is on the NATA website.
Meridian has been a participant in NATA’s overall Safety 1st program for over 20 years. While the Safety 1st program actually certifies individuals at the locations, as part of the Safety 1st Qualified location program, FBOs and ground handlers that consistently maintain their employee’s training status are recognized as Safety 1st certified. Meridian is proud to be consistently rated Safety 1st.
Meridian TEB and HWD are also International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) accredited for adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices in the preparation of handling business aircraft. The standard was designed to promote the use of industry best practices blended through a progressive Safety Management System (SMS) for FBOs and Business Aircraft Handling Agencies. Both FBOs currently hold IS-BAH Stage 1 certification.
Achieving industry recognition offers added benefits beyond demonstrating Meridian’s commitment to excellence and safety, notes Victor Rodriguez, TEB Line Service & FBO Safety Training Coordinator/Interim Line Service Manager, who spearheaded TEB’s registration efforts for both IS-BAH and Safety 1st Clean. “These standards help us with the overall framework to benchmark our efforts and measure overall performance,” he states. “It ensures we are following the guidelines, meeting and exceeding requirements and maintaining the highest standards.”
Customers with maintenance or detailing needs can expect the same level of safety and cleanliness at the Meridian Jet Center in Teterboro. The full-service maintenance facility is an FAA Part 145 and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified repair station, as well as an authorized Honeywell Service Center.
Meridian’s in-house detailing team currently provides multiple layers of disinfecting and cleaning services to protect travelers as well as our own personnel. In addition to decontaminating the aircraft with our ionization unit, they also clean the entire aircraft interior by wiping down and disinfecting all areas, followed by a long-lasting anti-microbial barrier treatment. Meridian is proud to strictly adhere to comprehensive protocols as well as those outlined by the Safety 1st Clean standard.
Tag: NATA
On Wednesday, April 3, Meridian welcomed local representatives from all walks of business aviation to hold a roundtable discussion on the current state of the industry, and speculate on where it’s headed in the future.
The first topic was the “State of the Charter Industry” and the rising popularity of the ultra-long range jet. The attendees surmised that this is due to either business taking people further than before, or that larger jets are chosen to accommodate more passengers at once.
The industry’s efforts in recruiting young talent are beginning to bear signs of success. More and more young pilots and engineers are lining up to begin their careers in Business Aviation. The challenge we face now is getting them qualified to fly.
One issue that NATA Vice President, Ryan Waguespack, brought up was the increasing popularity of “Gray Charter” and the safety issues that accompany it. NATA has been working to advise and inform the FAA on what “Gray Charter” is, and what to look for to uncover it.
Finally, to wrap the meeting up, representatives discussed what they’ve been doing to reach out to the youth and get them interested in the industry. From career days to 5Ks, there were plenty of different community engagement methods being utilized.
Overall, the event was a tremendous success and all that attended left with a better picture of the industry, and a greater understanding of its future. We cannot wait to see what the next meeting holds in store for us.
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.”