Jet Linx purchases Meridian's aircraft management and charter business

The acquisition brings 23 long-range and short-range private jets including Bombardier Global Express 6000 and 5000s, Gulfstream G550s, GVs, G450s, GIVSPs, Dassault Falcon 7Xs and 2000s, and Embraer Phenom 300s

Jet Linx becomes the largest Part 135 operator at Teterboro, the world’s busiest private jet airport

Jet Linx Aviation, which only opened up a New York-base last year, is set to become a major player in business aviation’s biggest market.

The Omaha-based private jet management and jet card membership company said it has acquired Meridian’s aircraft management and private jet charter business.

The deal brings to Jet Linx a diverse fleet ranging from Bombardier Global Express 6000 and 5000s, Gulfstream G550s, GVs, G450s, GIVSPs, Dassault Falcon 7Xs and 2000s, and Embraer Phenom 300s.

According to Jet Linx CEO Jamie Walker, 16 of the aircraft are based at the Northern New Jersey airport which serves both Manhattan and the area’s affluent suburbs. The move gives Jet Linx 20 private jets there making it the largest Part 135 fleet at TEB. Quoting JetNet, Walker says Jet Edge is second with 11, and Dumont Aviation third with 10 aircraft.

Teterboro ranked as the busiest private jet airport in 2019 with 73,159 departures. That’s more than twice second-place Dallas Love Field. Westchester County Airport north of New York City with 32,039 flights ranked third, ahead

Jet Linx’s Growing Network

Jet Linx said the deal gives it over 120 aircraft on Part 135 certificates. Last year, it also opened Austin, Boston, and Chicago, plus a second location in St. Louis at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. In its 19 base locations, it operates private terminals for owners of the aircraft it manages and its jet card customers. Last year, it ranked as the 5th largest Part 135 operator, according to Argus.

At Teterboro, Jet Linx will use both the Meridian FBO location and its own terminal. Walker said Jet Linx will have its own staff at the Meridian terminal, and will offer its full range of services, including valet parking and detailing your car when you are away.

Meridian will continue operating its FBO and aircraft maintenance businesses at Teterboro Airport and Hayward Executive Airport in California.

Last year Jet Linx acquired the private jet management contracts from Elliott Aviation. The move put Minneapolis on the list of future markets.

Jet Linx Safety

Jet Linx holds the highest safety ratings from Argus, Wyvern, and IS-BAO, Platinum, Wingman, and Stage 3. Each year, it grounds its fleet for a safety summit, including this May. Walker said Meridian’s high standards and loyal clientele made it an attractive acquisition target.

It offers two pay-as-you-go jet card options priced at $12,500 and $17,500 for the first year, the latter with no peak day surcharges. Renewals are $3,500, however, Walker said Meridian’s book of charter customers will be grandfathered into the Jet Linx jet card program on a complimentary basis.

At the beginning of the year, Jet Linx introduced a deposit option as well. Aircraft are offered on a cabin size basis – light, midsize, super-midsize, and large.

Fixed-rate guaranteed availability bookings come with 48 hours notice, non-peak. Last year, Jet Linx joined Wheels Up and XO in offering jet sharing.

Also, for its jet card customers, the ultra-long-haul large-cabin private jets will be priced as large-cabin aircraft, Walker says. Some card companies price them at a premium.

Private Jet Merger Activity

The Jet Linx expansion of its aircraft management comes as other leading players have been bulking up. In 2018, Vista Global Holdings acquired XOJET Aviation bring 43 super-midsize aircraft to its fleet. It says it is now adding four more jets. In the past 18 months, Wheels Up Group has acquired light jet operator TMC Jets, Delta Private Jets, another management company, and GAMA Signature Aviation, which had operated its branded fleet.