Story ID: 
Signature Acquires Two FBOs in Meridian Purchase
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Meridian was the last independent FBO at New Jersey's bustling Teterboro Airport
Word Count: 274
Signature Aviation, the world’s largest FBO chain, has expanded its network by two locations with the acquisition of New Jersey-based Meridian.
Formerly the lone independent service provider at metro New York City business aviation hub Teterboro Airport (KTEB), family-owned Meridian had a presence on the field for more than 75 years and was perennially ranked as one of the top FBOs in the Northeast U.S., according to AIN’s annual FBO survey.
“We embarked on this journey having a strong sense of which company would best build on the incredible legacy we’ve created, delivering award-winning service to our customers and treating our team members like family,” said Meridian CEO Ken Forester. “Signature is best positioned to do just that through their great network, enhancing site plans, updating branding, and integrating Meridian’s team members into Signature’s family.”
In 2016, Meridian expanded across the country, opening a new FBO at San Francisco-area Hayward Executive Airport as a West Coast base for its charter fleet, which it chose to divest less than four years later, along with shutting down its maintenance operation.
The move bolsters Signature’s position at KTEB, the world’s busiest business aviation airport, giving it control of four of the six FBO locations on the field.
“We’re excited to welcome Meridian into the Signature family given our shared mission to operate safely and provide excellent customer service and a great team member experience,” said Signature CEO Tony Lefebvre. “Meridian has a phenomenal history of exceptional service that we look forward to preserving and leveraging across our network.”