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 the company’s 10th time receiving the recognition, and an inaugural VNY Green Tenant Award.
The Friendly Flyer Award recognizes jet operators that demonstrate exceptional compliance with voluntary aircraft noise abatement procedures at VNY, going beyond mandatory requirements to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities.
“Clay Lacy continues to set a benchmark for what it means to be an exceptional neighbor and partner at Van Nuys Airport,” said Jacob Haik, Airport Manager, Van Nuys Airport. “Earning the Fly Friendly Award reflects their ongoing diligence in adhering to our mandatory and voluntary noise abatement procedures, while their recognition as an inaugural Green Tenant Awardee demonstrates real leadership in sustainable aviation. Meaningful progress happens when airport operators proactively invest in the well-being of our local community and the future of our environment, and Clay Lacy’s efforts reflect that shared commitment.”
Friendly Flyer criteria include measures such as increasing southbound jet departures, avoiding overnight flights and achieving 99% or greater compliance with the No Early Turn and Quiet Jet Departure programs.
The new Green Tenant Program recognizes VNY tenants demonstrating environmental leadership and sustainable best practices. Clay Lacy was cited specifically for its advancements in zero-emission ground support equipment.
“Being a good neighbor to our communities has always been important to us,” said Scott Cutshall, President, Real Estate and Sustainability, Clay Lacy Aviation. “These recognitions reflect the intentional work of our team to reduce noise, lower emissions and continually look for practical ways to thoughtfully implement sustainability strategies into all aspects of operations and facilities.”
Clay Lacy’s sustainability practices extend beyond Van Nuys. The company has implemented sustainable practices across its facilities, including electric ground equipment, renewable electricity sourcing, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, comprehensive recycling programs and the availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Clay Lacy facilities have also maintained carbon-neutral certification since 2019.
The company’s broader sustainability strategy is focused on practical measures that reduce environmental impacts while supporting the communities in which it operates. At Van Nuys, that includes ongoing participation in voluntary noise-abatement initiatives as well as investments in lower-emission ground operations.
The 2025 Friendly Flyer and inaugural Green Tenant awards were presented September 23 at Van Nuys City Hall during a recognition breakfast and ceremony hosted by Los Angeles World Airports.
About Clay Lacy Aviation
Founded in 1968 by legendary aviator and industry pioneer Clay Lacy. Today, prominent individuals and leading corporations trust Clay Lacy Aviation for legendary FBO and aircraft maintenance, avionics, interiors services. The company has full-service FBOs at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, and Waterbury-Oxford Airport, with a future location serving Sun Valley, Idaho. Clay Lacy also operates FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centers in Los Angeles and Oxford, Connecticut. The company delivers superior safety, service and value to aircraft owners and jet travelers nationwide. Visit claylacy.com
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Laura Hockemeyer
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Clay Lacy Aviation
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Header Photo: Jessica Yas Barker, External Affairs Director, Van Nuys Airport; Scott Cutshall, President Real Estate and Sustainability, Clay Lacy Aviation; Samantha Newport, Co-General Manager, Van Nuys FBO, Clay Lacy Aviation; Christian Moreno, Chief of Airport Operations & Maintenance, Van Nuys Airport.
