The Extra Mile - Fall 2019

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PLANE FOLK Estrella Montero Client Relations Manager Estrella Montero joined Meridian in 2006 and has been our Client Relations Manager for the past two years. She works closely with the owners of Meridian’s managed aircraft and also with other Meridian team members. She is the liaison between the aircraft owners and Meridian, and is committed to making sure everything runs smoothly for our owners and that they are satisfied with the service they receive. “I like to make our owners happy,” says Estrella. “And when our owners are happy, the Meridian team is happy.” Estrella always wanted to work in aviation. She developed her love for the industry when she was growing up in Panama. Her father was an airline ticket agent and one of the perks of his job was the opportunity for his family to travel, and Estrella enjoyed flying to various destinations. “I really love aviation,” she says. “I love everything about it: the airplanes, the travel, the excitement, and especially the people.” She had thought about being a flight attendant, but ultimately decided to pursue other aviation career options. She enrolled in Vaughn College of Aeronautics in Flushing, Queens, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Airport Management. She joined Meridian soon after graduation and has served in a variety of different roles. Estrella has filled many positions with Meridian, starting in Customer Service, moving to Purchasing, Charter Operations, and finally to Client Relations. Her responsibilities include being available to owners 24/7 and communicating with them to make sure their needs are met. And if they are planning a trip, she will coordinate with them directly to make sure all the details are covered. “I really enjoy my job,” Estrella says. “It’s challenging and every day is different. I love working with the individual owners and making sure they are satisfied. I also like the fact that I get to work closely with other members of the team, such as Dennis O’Connell and Mike Moore. We are all committed to providing the best possible service to our customers.” Estrella said she can’t imagine herself being in any other profession besides aviation. She’s also committed to her role at Meridian. “I do everything I can to make sure everyone is satisfied. My goal is to always exceed expectations, and that’s really what it’s all about.” 25 Years Newcomers Ramon Silva Promotions & New Assignments Meridian Milestones Ofelia Baetiong 15 Years Victor Rodriguez Daisy Rios Chuck Rosky Brian Mulder Michael Godleski James Bautista David Huelbig Eddy Garcia Dawid Gutowski Chuck Rosky Mike Kotosky Marcos Pena Promoted to Aircraft Technician 2nd Shift Lead Promoted to Inspector Promoted to Lead Detailer John Gomez Rabin Solaiman Eric McDonald Anthony Lanzone Stefan Williamson Kelvis Vasquez Jordan Heath Bob Lenox 5 Years Shane Kumar Patrick Argenzia Jr. Anne Stern Kenya Buggs Matt Stern Robert Bober Scott Jordan Daisy Cuzco Angelo Gilces Brandon Marmolejos Karl Granchalak Stephen Sferruzza Jeremy Ojerholm Samantha Martinez 10
Meridian Celebrates continued from page 9 Thorson, FAA Safety Team Program Manager, presented Lou with the award while members of the Quality Assurance, Charter, and Maintenance teams were on hand along with Executive Management and Lou’s wife, JoAnne, to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. “I am very honored to receive this award,” Ramm said during the presentation. “It is very rewarding to be acknowledged for your career and the work you have done. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named in honor of Mr. Charles Taylor, the first aviation mechanic in powered flight. Mr. Taylor served as the Wright Brothers’ mechanic and is credited with designing and building the engine for their first successful aircraft. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior mechanics. In order to be eligible, the recipient must hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic or repairman certificate, and have 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience. Lou received his Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) license in 1969. He then served in Army Aviation as a Crew Chief / DS Maintenance Platoon Supervisor. His experience has included both fixed and rotary wing aircraft in general aviation, both corporate and charter. He also holds an FAA Inspection Authorization. He joined Meridian full-time in 1997, after working the previous four years with Ken Forester, Sr. providing contract maintenance services. “We are very proud of Lou,” said Ken Forester, Meridian CEO. “Lou has been a real asset to Meridian and he is deserving of this award. It’s great to see Lou honored for his years of service to both us and the aviation industry.” Lou is just the latest Meridian recipient of the Charles Taylor Award. Other recipients include Ken Forester, Sr., Vincent Mendola, and John Bahrenburg. We’re proud to have another member of the Meridian family receive such a high honor. A Meridian Marks 30 Years of Jet Charter Meridian was proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its jet charter business this fall. General Aviation Flying Service, as the charter company was originally known, was formed in 1983. In 1986, General Aviation Flying Service became Million Air Charter Teterboro when its FBO joined the aviation franchise. In September 1989, it added its first jet, a Citation SII, to its fleet of piston aircraft. 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,” said Ken Forester, Meridian’s CEO. “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,” added Forester. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to serving our customers for many years to come.” Congratulations Lou! A. The Meridian Air Charter flight operations team poses with the original air carrier certificate to celebrate its 30th anniversary. B. The Teterboro FBO team proudly began wearing pink on October 1 to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. B Mile Markers continued from page 12 attractions in the country. It offers an abundance of birdlife and hot springs. And of course, there is the Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights. This spectacular show can frequently be seen in Akureyri and the surrounding area from September through April on clear nights. The Northern Lights exist in the outermost layer of the atmosphere and occur high above the surface of the earth where the atmosphere has become extremely thin. They are created by electrically charged particles that make the thin air shine, not unlike a fluorescent light. The Northern Lights can be visible for a long period of time (30 minutes up to a few hours) and sometimes for only a couple of minutes. There is no shortage of things to do or see in Akureyri and the surrounding area. There are several nearby ski resorts, which are very popular with Icelanders during the winter months. In the warmer months, there are a number of golf resorts that also feature other outdoor activities. Akureyri is definitely worth a visit! 11
Page 1 and 2: thextramile >>> Dear Customers, Mer
Page 3 and 4: Meridian Events A. The Meridian tea
Page 5 and 6: E. The Meridian foursome at the Tet
Page 7 and 8: E F L E C T I O N S
Page 9: D Summer Intern Program Over the su

The Extra Mile - Fall 2019

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