New Jersey operator Meridian is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its jet charter business. General Aviation Flying Service, as the charter company was originally known, was formed in 1983 and in September 1989 it added its first jet, a Citation SII, to its fleet of piston aircraft. In 1986, GAFS 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,” explains CEO Ken Forester. “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,” adds Forester. “I'm proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to serving our customers for many years to come.”

The company currently manages a range of aircraft types that are available for private charter. Its 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 network of qualified operators.