Private aircraft management and jet card membership operator Jet Linx has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of Teterboro Airport-based Meridian’s aircraft charter/management division. In the transaction, Jet Linx will add 23 aircraft ranging from a Hawker 900XP to a Global 6000, with a combined value of more than $365 million to its managed fleet. This brings the Nebraska operator to more than 120 aircraft under management, making it one of the largest management providers in the U.S.
According to president and CEO Jamie Walker, this latest development is part of the company’s strategic plan to increase its service in the key New York area. “It is an honor to have purchased Meridian Aircraft Management and Air Charter, one of the most admired, respected, and trusted operators in the private jet industry,” he said. “It also could not be better timed as it follows the grand opening of our flagship private terminal at Teterboro Airport last September." According to a Jet Linx spokesperson, as part of the charter acquisition and future partnership with the Meridian FBO, Jet Linx will retain space on the third floor for its new Teterboro-based team members.
For Meridian, which was established at Teterboro in 1946 and gave up its Part 135 certificate in the deal, it means the end of more than three decades in the aircraft management/charter business. “Jet Linx aligns perfectly with Meridian’s values, culture, and commitment to safety, and we could not be happier to have partnered with Jet Linx to purchase our aircraft management and charter business,” explained Meridian owner and CEO Ken Forester. “It was important for us to find the right company that would be able to take our existing aircraft management and charter business to the next level, and Jet Linx was the obvious choice.” He noted that Meridian will continue to support those former customers through its FBO and aircraft maintenance operations.