Meregrass: Private Charter, Wildcat Touring Partnership, and How It Compares to Digital Platforms Like Jettly

Meregrass Inc is not a lawn care brand or a grass species—it is a Texas-based, FAA-licensed private aircraft charter operator serving travelers across the Americas and beyond with a fleet that includes Dassault Falcon jets and Saab 2000 turboprops.

Note: 'Meregrass' is not a type of grass or plant species—no botanical variety by this name exists. The term refers exclusively to the Texas-based charter operator discussed here.

For business executives, high-net-worth individuals, and frequent flyers comparing private jet charter options, that distinction matters quickly: Meregrass represents a traditional operator model, not a digital booking marketplace.

Based near the Fort Worth Metroplex in Dublin, TX, Meregrass also operates through its Wildcat Touring semi-private charter brand, giving readers a clearer view of its fleet, certifications, operating scope, and service model. This article examines how Meregrass compares with digital platforms like Jettly on safety standards, aircraft access, pricing, flexibility, and booking convenience so you can decide whether a conventional charter operator or a modern marketplace is the better fit for your business or leisure travel, especially if you are evaluating Jettly as a NetJets alternative.

Key Takeaways

• Meregrass Inc is a Texas-based charter operator at Quahadi Field (14099 County Road 355, Dublin, TX) that holds FAA air carrier certificate number M85A727L, operating under 14 C.F.R. parts 119 and 135 with an ARG/US Gold rating for safety standards.

• The company operates a flexible fleet of charter aircraft including Dassault Falcon jets (Falcon 50 EX and Falcon 900B) and Saab 2000 turboprops, providing short, medium, and long-range jet options across the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.

• Wildcat Touring is a semi-private and public charter brand using Meregrass-operated Saab 2000 aircraft on seasonal routes such as Texas to Aspen, with contact options including the 254 445 and 254 445 3322 phone numbers for reservations.

• Jettly is a digital private jet charter marketplace that aggregates over 20,000 aircraft from certified operators worldwide—including fleets similar to those at Meregrass—and offers instant pricing, transparent booking, and no long-term ownership commitments.

• The rest of this article compares traditional operators like Meregrass to modern platforms like Jettly, explains aircraft types and routes, and guides readers on how to choose the best option for their next journey.

Meregrass Inc: Fleet, Certifications, and Wildcat Touring Partnership

Meregrass Inc is a U.S. private aircraft charter company based at Quahadi Field near the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The operation extends from this Texas hub, serving clients with Falcon business jets and Saab 2000 turboprops for both ad-hoc charter and public charter services. Owner Stephen B. Smith has built the company into a regional operator with reach well beyond the Southwest.

The sections below cover fleet details, certifications, crew standards, and the Wildcat Touring brand—structured with concrete aircraft models, example routes, and verifiable credentials.

FAA Certifications and Safety Standards

Meregrass Inc operates under FAA regulations for on-demand air carriers, holding air carrier certificate number M85A727L since August 28, 2006. This certificate falls under 14 C.F.R. parts 119 and 135, which enforce strict standards for maintenance, crew training, and operational procedures.

The company has been validated with an ARG/US Gold rating, a third-party safety benchmark that evaluates operator history, pilot qualifications, insurance, and maintenance practices. With roughly 1,837 FAA Part 135 operators in the United States and about 25 based in Texas alone, this rating puts Meregrass among the more thoroughly vetted carriers in the state.

Meregrass Inc Fleet Composition

Meregrass operates a fleet of Falcon and Saab aircraft. The fleet includes one Falcon 900B and one Falcon 50 EX, both expertly maintained tri-engine jets, alongside Saab 2000 turboprops.

• Dassault Falcon 50 EX: A super-midsize tri-jet with a maximum range of roughly 3,075–3,388 nautical miles. Cabin height sits around 1.77 m (5.9 ft) with a width of approximately 1.83 m (6.1 ft), and seating is configured for about 8–9 passengers. The most recently acquired example, N299PR (serial number 299), joined the Meregrass certificate in mid-2024.

• Dassault Falcon 900B: A long-cabin, tri-engine jet configured for approximately 14 passengers under Meregrass's layout. This aircraft handles longer nonstop legs and supports medium- to long-range missions. These impeccably appointed cabins provide adequate space for both business and leisure luggage.

• Saab 2000 EFIS: A fast regional turboprop modified to a 30-seat layout for charter and public charter use (standard airline configurations seat 50–58). These aircraft are suited for regional routes and seasonal or semi-private scheduled services, not purely ad-hoc charter.

These aircraft support short, medium, and long-range missions, such as Dallas to Aspen, Houston to Mexico City, or Dallas to Paris (with fuel stops depending on configuration and payload). The fleet can operate from remote locations worldwide, and charter flights can access remote locations not served by airlines, a key advantage over commercial options.

Geographic Scope

Operations from Quahadi Field near DFW include frequent movements through Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and other Texas cities. The company is based in the southwest but reaches far beyond.

Meregrass can serve destinations worldwide across North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and selected trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific destinations, depending on aircraft type and range, illustrating many of the same considerations covered in guides on whether private jets can fly internationally. Their marketing notes that the operation extends "through the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific," making this more than a regional outfit even if the home area remains firmly in Texas.

For travelers whose pleasure takes them to destinations like Aspen or further afield, the Falcon jets handle the heavy lifting, while the Saab 2000s cover shorter, higher-frequency routes—patterns similar to those seen on many international private jet itineraries.

Pilot and Crew Standards

Meregrass pilots are FAA-certified with valid medicals and type ratings on both Falcon and Saab 2000 platforms. Every aircraft is professionally flown by crew members who meet or exceed Part 135 requirements.

Key training details:

• Meregrass pilots receive FAA-mandated training annually.

• Meregrass pilots undergo proficiency check rides every six months.

• Pilots trained on Aspen-specific procedures handle one of the most challenging airports in North America (high altitude, mountainous terrain, special approach requirements).

• Flight crew must have legal authorization to live and work in the USA, with no foreign pilot visa sponsorship, reflecting a domestic-focused hiring policy.

The emphasis on ongoing training, simulator checks, and recurrent safety programs is typical of Part 135 operations, but the six-month check ride cycle goes beyond the minimum at many comparable operators. The staff takes safety seriously, and this shows in the ARG/US Gold validation.

The Wildcat Touring Partnership

Wildcat Touring is a brand using Meregrass-operated Saab 2000 aircraft for semi-private and public charters on routes such as Texas hubs (Dallas, Houston) to leisure destinations like Aspen, Colorado. The brand is registered under U.S. DOT rules (14 C.F.R. Part 380) as a public charter operator.

Under this model, passengers can buy individual seats rather than chartering the whole aircraft, blending elements of commercial and private aviation for travelers exploring how to buy a seat on a private jet. This is where anywhere business or leisure travel meets affordability—travelers who don't need an entire jet can still avoid the lines and delays of major airlines.

Travelers might see the brand names together in marketing materials referencing "The Wildcat Difference – Our Team / Our Aircraft," while the underlying FAA certificate belongs to Meregrass Inc. Both entities share ownership under Stephen B. Smith.

Prospective passengers can inquire or book through dedicated contact channels. Regional operators like Meregrass often list local Texas contact numbers for reservations, including phone details like 254 445 and 254 445 3322, providing short and direct access to booking staff. Wildcat Touring also accepts inquiries at reservations@wildcattouring.com.

The Saab 2000 in a 30-seat configuration on a Texas-to-Aspen route represents the sweet spot between full private charter cost and commercial airline inconvenience.

Reference pricing gives context: a chartered Saab 2000 for 30 seats on a regional route (such as College Station to Knoxville) cost approximately $39,800–$41,900 for a full-aircraft charter in 2019. Per-seat pricing on Wildcat's public charter flights would be a fraction of those full-aircraft figures.

Comparing Meregrass to Digital Charter Platforms Like Jettly

Meregrass Inc represents a traditional model: a single operator with a focused fleet, based regionally in Texas. Jettly represents the opposite end of the spectrum—a digital marketplace that aggregates thousands of aircraft from operators worldwide, including jets similar to those in the Meregrass fleet, and is frequently profiled in industry-wide lists of charter airlines and private aviation options. Both models serve the same end goal (getting travelers where they need to go quickly and comfortably), but the paths differ significantly.

How Jettly Works

Jettly does not own aircraft. Instead, it connects travelers with a global network of more than 20,000 aircraft operated by certified Part 135 carriers and their international equivalents. Think of it as the most flexible fleet available to any single traveler, without the overhead of ownership.

The platform allows users to search itineraries—Dallas to Aspen, Houston to Miami, New York to Los Angeles—view instant pricing, use an airport locator tool for exclusive airports, and compare aircraft categories (light jet, midsize, heavy, turboprop, helicopter). There are no long-term jet card or fractional ownership commitments required, though membership options and jet card flight cost estimators and programs exist for travelers who want added perks, as well as broader jet card programs for frequent flyers.

Transparent pricing is central. Users see what they'll pay before committing, and they can request a quote for any route without obligation.

Booking Experience: Direct Operator vs. Marketplace

With Meregrass, travelers typically interact directly with the operator or a broker that specializes in its fleet. You call the number, discuss your trip, and get a quote specifically for Falcon 50 EX, Falcon 900B, or Saab 2000 availability. It's personal, relationship-driven, and straightforward if you already know what aircraft you want.

With Jettly, travelers enter their route, dates, and passenger count, then see multiple aircraft options from multiple operators. This includes aircraft similar in size and performance to Falcon 50 EX, Falcon 900B, and Saab 2000 models. The platform can present empty-leg flights, alternative routings, crowdsourced shared flights and empty seats, or different aircraft sizes to optimize cost and convenience—something a single operator may be more limited in providing.

Aircraft and Mission Matching

Consider a few scenarios:

• A business team flying Dallas to Toronto might compare Falcon-class jets from operators like Meregrass against super midsize jets and heavy jets from other operators on Jettly. Different aircraft types offer different trade-offs in speed, cabin space, and hourly cost.

• A leisure group going from Houston to Aspen during ski season might compare a semi-private Saab 2000-seat product through Wildcat Touring with a full private charter on a light or midsize jet found through Jettly.

• A platform like Jettly helps users weigh factors such as hourly rate, seat count, baggage space for ski gear or golf clubs, and airport access times—all in one search.

For reference on hourly costs: travelers can use a private jet charter cost estimator to model trip expenses, but broadly, the rental price for a Falcon 50 EX is approximately $5,192 per hour, while the rental price for a Falcon 900B runs about $9,440 per hour. These figures give a baseline, though actual costs vary with positioning, fuel surcharges, and trip specifics.

Safety and Certification

Both approaches rely on FAA or equivalent regulatory oversight. Meregrass is a single, named certificate holder with direct accountability for its operations. Jettly works through vetting of third-party operators that meet safety, insurance, and regulatory criteria.

Travelers should verify safety credentials such as ARG/US, Wyvern, or IS-BAO ratings whether they book directly with an operator like Meregrass or via a marketplace such as Jettly. Both pathways can deliver a safe flight—what matters is that the operator behind the aircraft holds the right certifications and follows the right procedures.

Cost and Flexibility

Booking directly with a single carrier such as Meregrass might be ideal when the traveler wants a specific aircraft or route. A known Falcon 900B configuration or a recurring Texas to Mexico shuttle, for example, benefits from operator familiarity and a standing relationship.

Jettly may provide broader price discovery. The same Dallas to Aspen trip could show options ranging from turboprops and light jets to large cabin jets, allowing customers to pick between lower cost, more space, or faster flight time by applying tips for booking the cheapest private jet flights. Jettly's digital tools also allow quick re-quoting if dates change, holding multiple options at once, and exploring nearby airports beyond the main hubs in Texas or Colorado.

Both operator-direct offerings (Meregrass Inc and Wildcat Touring) and marketplace models (Jettly) can work well. The best choice depends on whether the traveler values a familiar local operator, the broadest global choice, or app-based convenience with instant comparisons—and many travelers consult a guide to the best private jet charter companies when evaluating their options.

How to Choose Between Meregrass, Wildcat Touring Routes, and Jettly's Global Network

Travelers often must decide between three distinct paths:

• Chartering directly with an operator like Meregrass Inc.

• Buying a semi-private seat with a brand such as Wildcat Touring on Saab 2000 aircraft.

• Using a platform like Jettly to compare multiple operators and aircraft worldwide.

Each approach fits different needs. Here's how to match the model to your trip.

When Meregrass Makes Sense

• Travelers based in Texas or nearby states who regularly fly routes such as Dallas to Aspen, Houston to Mexico, or Austin to regional destinations and want familiarity with a specific crew and aircraft.

• Corporate departments that prefer to maintain long-term relationships with a limited number of operators for policy, training, and duty-of-care reasons.

• Situations where a particular aircraft type—Falcon 50 EX for shorter runways or Falcon 900B for longer nonstop legs—aligns perfectly with recurring mission profiles.

Meregrass has been FAA-certified since August 28, 2006, giving it nearly two decades of operational history. That track record matters for corporate travel managers who need to justify vendor selection.

When Wildcat Touring Is Ideal

• Individual travelers or small groups who do not need an entire aircraft but want to avoid large commercial airports and lines, similar to the strategies described in guides on how to get a seat on a private jet.

• Seasonal routes like Texas cities to Aspen during ski season, where published seat pricing on Saab 2000 aircraft can be more economical than a full charter.

• Customers who are comfortable with fixed departure times and shared cabins in exchange for lower cost per seat and faster boarding compared to commercial airlines.

Wildcat Touring operates under DOT Part 380 public charter rules, providing short-notice access to leisure-oriented routes that would otherwise require a full-aircraft commitment. It served as a bridge between commercial and fully private flying.

When Jettly's Marketplace Wins

• Travelers looking for options beyond Texas, including international routes—New York to London, Toronto to Vancouver, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or Miami to Caribbean islands.

• Clients who want instant pricing across many aircraft categories and the ability to compare range, cabin size, and flight time side by side.

• Passengers seeking time-sensitive or irregular trips such as same-day business meetings, medical-related travel, or multi-city itineraries where one operator's fleet may not cover all legs efficiently.

Jettly's network spans destinations worldwide, and its digital tools let travelers book a private jet in minutes rather than days while also exploring affordable private jet charter options that balance comfort and cost.

Practical Selection Criteria

Factor	Meregrass / Wildcat	Jettly Marketplace
Budget control	Fixed fleet pricing; semi-private seats on Wildcat	Compare quotes from many operators; find empty legs for savings
Group size	8–14 (Falcons), up to 30 (Saab 2000)	Light jets (4–6), midsize (7–9), heavy (10–16+), turboprops
Baggage capacity	Known configurations per aircraft	Filter by baggage volume across many aircraft types
Airport access	Quahadi Field plus Texas regional airports	Thousands of airports globally
Booking speed	Phone or email, relationship-based	Instant digital quotes, online booking

Small jets often carry a lower hourly cost than large cabin jets, while semi-private seats on routes like Wildcat's can be priced more like premium commercial fares. For 2–4 executives, a light or midsize jet found through Jettly may be the most efficient option. Large groups or those hauling sports equipment may lean toward a Saab 2000 or a heavy jet.

Environmental and Efficiency Considerations

Modern charter customers increasingly look at aircraft efficiency and carbon offset options, including choosing right-sized aircraft rather than flying half-empty large jets.

On the ground near Meregrass's Texas base, the surrounding landscape reflects broader sustainability trends, paralleling the operational focus of major providers like those described in overviews of NetJets and industry-leading private aviation. Warm-season turfgrasses thrive in hot southern climates like central Texas and go dormant in winter, while cool-season turfgrasses maintain green color longer into the frost seasons—a contrast that shapes both ranching land and airport grounds, just as thoughtful amenities like in-flight catering services for private jets shape the onboard experience. Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in northern climates, making it less common around Dublin, TX. Many ornamental grasses provide aesthetic benefits without requiring constant mowing, and ornamental grasses and native plants require less irrigation than traditional lawns.

Replacing standard lawns with diverse landscaping can reduce maintenance costs at private airfields and ranches alike. Shifting towards diverse landscaping offers benefits like biodiversity and pollinator support, and diverse root systems improve soil structure and rainwater absorption—practical considerations for operators maintaining private strips. Even lemongrass, known for its distinct citrus aroma and culinary uses, finds a place in sustainable Texas landscaping.

In the air, platforms like Jettly can help identify efficient aircraft types and consolidate routing to minimize unnecessary fuel burn by applying many of the same affordable private jet booking strategies that also reduce wasted repositioning and empty legs. Operators such as Meregrass may optimize scheduling within their own fleets—for instance, positioning a Saab 2000 to serve a full load on a Wildcat route rather than running a half-empty Falcon.

The Bottom Line

Consider trying a Texas-based operator like Meregrass for regional missions where you value familiarity and a known crew. Use a Wildcat Touring seat for seasonal leisure flights when you don't need the whole aircraft. And turn to a digital marketplace such as Jettly when you need flexibility, transparency, and worldwide reach.

Learn more about Jettly's charter options at https://www.jettly.com and explore how marketplace-based charter can complement existing relationships with operators like Meregrass Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ

These FAQs address common questions about Meregrass, Wildcat Touring, and how digital platforms like Jettly fit into the private charter world.

Is Meregrass Inc the same as a private jet marketplace like Jettly?

No. Meregrass Inc is an FAA-certified air carrier that owns or operates a specific fleet—Falcon jets and Saab 2000 turboprops—under certificate number M85A727L. The company directly employs its pilots, manages maintenance, and controls its operations from Quahadi Field in Dublin, TX. Jettly, by contrast, is a digital marketplace that lists aircraft from many independent operators, including those with similar fleets. Jettly does not operate aircraft itself but connects travelers with certified carriers around the world.

What is Wildcat Touring and how does it relate to Meregrass?

Wildcat Touring is a brand offering semi-private or public charter services, often using Saab 2000 aircraft operated under Meregrass Inc's FAA certificate. Registered under U.S. DOT Part 380 public charter rules, Wildcat allows passengers to buy individual seats instead of chartering the full aircraft. This makes it possible to fly routes like Dallas or Houston to Aspen at a per-seat price rather than paying for 30 empty seats. Both Meregrass and Wildcat Touring share ownership, and the underlying operational authority comes from Meregrass's Part 135 certificate.

Can I book a Meregrass aircraft through a platform like Jettly?

Availability depends on existing partnerships and broker relationships. While some operators appear on multiple digital platforms, travelers can request similar Falcon or turboprop aircraft through Jettly even if a specific Meregrass tail number is not listed by name. Jettly's network of over 20,000 aircraft includes comparable super-midsize and large-cabin jets, so travelers who like the Falcon 50 EX or Falcon 900B profile will find similar options quickly through the platform.

How do safety standards compare between direct operators and digital platforms?

Safety is governed primarily by regulators such as the FAA. Operators like Meregrass must comply directly—holding their own Part 135 certificate, maintaining their aircraft to FAA standards, and ensuring their pilots pass regular proficiency checks. Marketplaces like Jettly typically vet partner operators for valid licenses, insurance, and optional third-party ratings such as ARG/US, Wyvern, or IS-BAO. Whether you book directly or through a platform, the key is to verify that the operator behind your flight holds current certifications and maintains a strong safety record.

Where can I learn more about flexible charter options beyond Texas?

For global routes and broader aircraft choice, explore Jettly's on-demand charter options and instant pricing tools at https://www.jettly.com. The platform covers destinations worldwide, from international routes to domestic hops—whether you need private jet charter in hubs like Chennai in Tamil Nadu or other major cities—with the ability to compare aircraft types, costs, and availability in one place. For Texas-focused Falcon or Saab operations with a familiar crew, research operators such as Meregrass Inc and its Wildcat Touring services directly. Both approaches can operate together—many experienced private flyers maintain relationships with a local operator while using a marketplace for trips outside that operator's area of strength. Dreams of seamless private travel start with knowing your options.

Experience private travel tailored to your needs. Discover flight options or get a personalized quote at https://www.jettly.com.

Conclusion

Meregrass Inc offers a reliable, regionally focused private charter experience with a fleet of Falcon jets and Saab turboprops, backed by strong FAA certifications and an ARG/US Gold safety rating. Its partnership with Wildcat Touring provides semi-private and public charter options on select routes, catering well to travelers seeking familiarity and direct operator relationships in Texas and surrounding regions.

For those seeking broader aircraft choices, instant pricing, and global reach, digital marketplaces like Jettly present a compelling alternative. Jettly’s platform connects travelers with thousands of certified operators worldwide, offering flexibility, transparency, and convenience through instant online booking and comprehensive flight options. Learn more about Jettly's charter options to see the full range of aircraft and services.

Choosing between a traditional operator like Meregrass and a digital platform like Jettly depends on your travel needs, budget, and preference for personalized service versus broad selection and speed. Both models maintain high safety standards, but Jettly’s expansive network and technology-driven approach can simplify complex itineraries and international travel. For guidance on selecting the right aircraft, check out our private jets comparison guide.

Ready to experience private travel on your terms? Explore flight options or request a personalized quote at https://www.jettly.com. For tips on booking the most affordable flights, visit our affordable private jet charter tips.