2026

Clay Lacy renews focus on FBO, MRO experience, selling Aircraft Management and Charter divisions to Solairus Aviation.

Clay Lacy Aviation Recognized by Van Nuys Airport for 10th Friendly Flyer Award and Inaugural Green Tenant Award

Honors Highlight Continued Commitment to Noise Reduction, Sustainable Operations and Being a Responsible Community Partner  (Los Angeles—September 28, 2026) — Clay Lacy Aviation has been recognized by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) with two honors highlighting its commitment to sustainable operations and community partnership at Van Nuys Airport (VNY): the VNY Friendly Flyer Award, marking […]

Solairus To Acquire Clay Lacy’s Aircraft Management & Charter Divisions

Published: Solairus PETALUMA, Calif., August 7, 2026 – Solairus Aviation, a leading private aviation services provider, today announced an agreement to acquire the Aircraft Management and Charter divisions of Clay Lacy Aviation.       Solairus currently manages approximately 360 aircraft from more than 100 base locations across North America, while Clay Lacy manages approximately 140 aircraft. Upon completion of […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Joins IBAC Industry Partner Programme

Published: International Business Aviation Council Montreal, May 18, 2026 — The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) announced Clay Lacy Aviation as one of six new Industry Partners joining the organization year-to-date, strengthening IBAC’s global network of business aviation leaders across five continents. Founded in 1968, Clay Lacy Aviation was recognized by IBAC as one of […]

Brian Kirkdoffer Named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500 List

Brian Kirkdoffer, Owner and Chairman of Clay Lacy Aviation, has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 LA500, an annual list recognizing the most influential leaders and executives in Los Angeles. This is Kirkdoffer’s second year on the LA500 recipient list. Brian acquired Clay Lacy Aviation in 2012 and his leadership has guided […]

Clay Lacy SNA Earns Top Rankings in AIN FBO Awards

For the third consecutive year, Clay Lacy Aviation’s FBO at California’s John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) has been named the top-ranked FBO in the United States for Best Line Service and Best Customer Service in the Aviation International News (AIN) 2026 FBO Awards.  “We are honored to once again be recognized by our clients […]

2024

Awarded FBO lease in Sun Valley, ID at Friedman Memorial Airport.

2024

Clay Lacy’s third FBO opens at Waterbury-Oxford Airport, supporting Northeastern U.S. aviation.

2024

Authorized dealer and installer for Starlink, the revolutionary satellite-based internet solution.

Clay Lacy Joins NBAA at ‘CLIMBING. FAST.’ Capitol Hill Fly-In Advocating for Sustainability

Published: NBAA Washington, DC, March 19, 2026 – Business aviation professionals from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill March 18 for a daylong series of meetings with congressional lawmakers and staff to advance policies supporting the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while strengthening American energy independence and supporting rural economies. The CLIMBING. FAST. Capitol […]

Staying Connected Globally: Installing Starlink for Business Jets

Global connectivity is now the expectation, not a luxury, for business jet owners and operators. Reliable internet during flight is seen as a convenience on commercial travel, but it’s an invaluable tool for productivity, safety and passenger experience for business aircraft. When considering connectivity, Clay Lacy Aviation has become the source of many aircraft owners […]

Business Jet Ownership Simplified – Why Management Companies Matter

Published: Elite Wings Business Jets Guide 2025 Chief Commercial Officer Joe Barber was featured in the Elite Wings Magazine 2025 Business Jet Guide, discussing Clay Lacy’s comprehensive approach to aircraft ownership—from acquisition through operation and eventual divestment. The in-depth conversation explores how Clay Lacy provides guidance throughout the ownership journey, including evaluating mission requirements, developing […]

Skymark Refuelers, World Fuel Services, and Clay Lacy Aviation Unveil The Largest All-Electric Aircraft Refueler in the United States

Published: Skymark Refuelers Kansas City, MO – October 15, 2025  – Skymark Refuelers is proud to announce, in partnership with World Fuel Services and Clay Lacy Aviation, the launch of the country’s largest all-electric aircraft refueler – a 7,000-gallon EV Refueler designed to advance sustainable fueling operations at airports nationwide. This well engineered vehicle represents […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Renews WYVERN Wingman Certification

Published: WYVERN  Van Nuys, California, October 10, 2025 — Clay Lacy Aviation has once more secured its designation of WYVERN Wingman Certified Operator by maintaining Wingman status through the Flight Leader Program with quarterly coaching by WYVERN.  The WYVERN Wingman Standard, the first air charter audit standard in the aviation industry, establishes a trusted safety benchmark, enabling air […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Selects Portside’s Avianis to Streamline Flight Scheduling and Operations

Published: Portside San Francisco, CA – 10/8/25 – Portside, a leading provider of modern, cloud-based solutions for business aviation, today announced that Clay Lacy Aviation, one of the most respected names in private aviation with more than 55 years of excellence in aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and FBO services, has adopted Avianis as its flight scheduling […]

Connectivity Solutions – Insights from an Aircraft Management Perspective

Published: Elite Wings Connectivity Guide 2025 A conversation with Henry Thomas, Vice President of Aircraft Management at Clay Lacy Aviation, discussing the expanded landscape of inflight connectivity solutions for aircraft owners. Henry shares his expertise on choosing the best solution for clients, “we start by understanding the aircraft’s mission. Factors such as whether the aircraft […]

Barb Brown Joins Clay Lacy as Chief People Officer

​Clay Lacy Aviation has just welcomed Barbara Brown as its new Chief People Officer, continuing its investment in its people, workforce and development for the long term. With over 25 years of experience in human capital leadership, Barbara leads the company’s people strategy, focusing on enhancing employee engagement, refining talent development, and fostering a culture […]

Orange County FBO Receives AIN Honors for 2nd Straight Year

For the second consecutive year, Aviation International News readers have chosen Clay Lacy Aviation’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) location as the top FBO in the Americas in two categories. The renowned survey had Clay Lacy’s Orange County FBO as the best in the categories of Line Service and Customer Service. In addition, two Customer Service […]

Joe Barber Appointed to NBAA’s Advisory Council

Published: National Business Aviation Association, March 19, 2025 The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced that Clay Lacy Chief Commercial Officer Joe Barber, CAM; Avfuel Corporation Executive Vice President C.R. Sincock, II and Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Aviation at Garmin International Inc. Phil Straub have been named to the association’s Advisory […]

For Clay Lacy Aviation, Sustainability Is Smart Business

Published: Climbing Fast, February 20, 2025 Clay Lacy Aviation was founded in 1968 in Van Nuys, CA, making it the first jet charter operation west of the Mississippi River. For most of its history, the company didn’t pay much attention to sustainability issues – but that changed for good at the 2018 NBAA Business Aviation Convention […]

Clay Lacy Oxford Joins NBAA’s FBO Partnership Network as 50th Location

Published: NBAA, February 6, 2025 The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes Clay Lacy Aviation (OXC) as the 50th FBO location to join the NBAA FBO Partnership Network with the addition of its operation at Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Oxford, CT. “Clay Lacy was proud to be among the first to join this esteemed program, which […]

Paragon Aviation Group Welcomes Clay Lacy’s Oxford, Connecticut FBO to the Network

Published: Paragon Aviation Group, January 30, 2025 Paragon Aviation Group is pleased to announce that Clay Lacy Aviation’s FBO at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Oxford, Connecticut has joined the Paragon Network. This partnership unites two industry leaders committed to delivering exceptional safety and service within the aviation sector.  “Joining the Paragon Network offers an opportunity […]

Gogo’s Network Migrations and What it Means for Your Inflight Connectivity

Gogo inflight connectivity systems is updating its air-to-ground (ATG) network to newer technology. By 2026, Gogo will complete a full network migration to LTE (long-term evolution) technology. As an authorized dealer for Gogo Business Aviation, Clay Lacy is prepared to help you with your connectivity upgrades. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CURRENT GOGO CUSTOMERS? To […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Breaks Ground on Orange County FBO, Largest Private Infrastructure Investment in John Wayne Airport History

The World’s First ISI Envision Gold Certified FBO Will Advance Sustainable Operations, Create Aviation Careers, House Orange County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Facility (Santa Ana, CA—November 15, 2024) Clay Lacy Aviation began a new era of investment, service and commitment to Orange County aviation and the communities it serves. The 57-year-old private aviation services provider […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Awarded FBO Lease at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)

Sun Valley, Idaho Facility to Be Built with Sustainability Focus and Greater Access to General Aviation (Hailey, ID—November 7, 2024) The Friedman Memorial Airport Authority Board has awarded Clay Lacy Aviation a lease at the airport in Hailey, Idaho, serving Sun Valley and communities throughout the Wood River Valley to construct and operate a Fixed-Base […]

NATA Presents Clay Lacy Aviation with 5-Star Aviation Maintenance Technician Award for 10th Straight Year

Employer Award Category Recognizes More Than 90% Technician Participation in High-Level Qualified Training (Los Angeles—October 30, 2024) Clay Lacy Aviation extends its record of aviation safety and excellence. The aircraft management, maintenance, charter and FBO services provider has been awarded NATA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Five-Star Award for the 10th consecutive year. To earn recognition […]

Supernal and Clay Lacy Aviation Partner to Prepare FBO Network for Advanced Air Mobility Operations

Published: Supernal  Las Vegas, October 22, 2024 — Supernal LLC – Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG’s) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company – and Clay Lacy Aviation today announced a partnership at 2024 NBAA-BACE to prepare Clay Lacy’s fixed-base operator (FBO) locations for electric vertical and take-off landing (eVTOL) operations. This marks Supernal’s first official FBO partnership, […]

NBAA Recognizes Clay Lacy Aviation with Sustainable Flight Department Accreditation

Clay Lacy is First FBO, Aircraft Management, Maintenance, and Charter Organization to Receive Accreditation Designed to Advance Sustainability Culture in Business Aviation  (Los Angeles—September 24, 2024) A recognized industry leader and innovator, Clay Lacy Aviation has been accredited by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as a Sustainable Flight Department in the category of Infrastructure, […]

Van Nuys Airport Friendly Flyer Awarded to Clay Lacy Aviation for Eighth Time

Operations Achieved Highest Level of Compliance with Voluntary Aircraft Noise Abatement Procedures as Part of Larger Commitment to Sustainability, Working with Local Communities (Los Angeles—August 8, 2024) Clay Lacy Aviation is a collaborative partner with the communities it serves. Recently, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) recognized Clay Lacy Aviation as part of its Fly Friendly […]

Corporate Jet Investor: Business Aviation Is Where AAM Will Plant Roots

Published: Corporate Jet Investor, July 2024 “The industry is an incubator of technology; we have always sought to be more efficient and to fly less expensively,” said Kurt Edwards, director general, IBAC at our CJI London conference in February. “We are the first to introduce new technologies into the broad industry. Those winglets you see […]

Financial Times: How Luxury Brands Embraced Personalization

Published: Financial Times, July 2024 Aircraft provide an illustration in luxury personalization. Hector Torres, head of interior modification at Clay Lacy, a Los Angeles-based private jet management service firm, recalls a client who loved going on safaris. The jet-owner had taken an aerial photo of a herd of zebras and wanted the image imprinted on […]

Eddy Diaz Featured in Elite Wings 2024 Connectivity Guide

Published: Elite Wings 2024 Connectivity Guide Clay Lacy Avionics Manager, Eddy Diaz, was recently interviewed for Elite Wings 2024 Connectivity Guide. In the interview, Eddy shared his extensive expertise in avionics and the business aviation industry, shedding light on the latest avionics and installation modifications offered by our company. We’re proud to have Eddy’s expertise […]

Clay Lacy Aviation Completes First Five Starlink Installations

Satellite-Based Internet Solution Installed on Gulfstream and Global Jets at Connecticut and California Repair Stations (Los Angeles—July 9, 2024) Clay Lacy Aviation has expanded its capabilities in its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services completing its first five installations of Starlink. Expert maintenance technicians at Clay Lacy’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) and Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) […]

New NBAA, Clay Lacy Collaboration Welcomes Company’s Managed Aircraft Customers

Published: NBAA Washington, DC, June 10, 2024 — The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Clay Lacy Aviation today announced a new pilot program that will make a host of association services accessible to the firm’s managed aircraft clients, optimizing the benefits of business aviation to this important, diverse industry segment. Under the collaboration, Clay […]

Clay Lacy’s Orange County FBO Receives AIN Honors

The results from Aviation International News’ renowned FBO survey are in, and we are proud to share Clay Lacy Aviation at John Wayne Airport (SNA) earned the #1 position in both Line Service and Customer Service Representative (CSRS) categories for the Americas.   Each year, AIN polls readers about the quality of service FBOs provided their […]

Clay Lacy Prepares to Open Waterbury-Oxford FBO Summer 2024; Hangar Space Still Available

Maria Garceau named FBO General Manager for new FBO serving New York and New England (Oxford, CT—May 13, 2024) Clay Lacy Aviation’s newest Fixed-Based Operation (FBO) and hangar complex at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) serving New York and the greater Northeast is nearing completion and scheduled to open this summer. Featuring 120,000 square feet of new […]

AIN Recognizes Savanah Dowling for Exemplary Customer Service

Each year, Aviation International News’ FBO survey highlights individuals who effectively exceed expectations in the field of customer service. Voted FBO staff members are listed in the survey’s “Above & Beyond” list. Clay Lacy’s very own Lead Client Service Representative, Savanah Dowling, based at John Wayne Airport (SNA), has once again been named to this […]