Clay Lacy Aviation Breaks Ground on New East Coast Facility

California-based aviation services provider Clay Lacy Aviation has made one of the largest private investments of $20 million with an 11-acre FBO and MRO facility at Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC).

The investment will be in the Connecticut Airport Authority’s general aviation airport system and is likely to create over 600 jobs.

“We’re breaking ground on what will be one of the finest FBOs (fixed-base operators) and aviation facilities in the country,” said Brian Kirkdoffer, President and CEO, Clay Lacy Aviation. “Oxford will be an incredible economic and employment engine, attracting and supporting the finest aircraft and flight operations in the world.”

The first 11-acre phase will feature a passenger terminal, executive offices and a 40,000-square-foot hangar, with a focus on sustainable facilities and operations. The new full-service FBO and maintenance facility is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.

David Lehman, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, spoke of the larger importance of Clay Lacy’s development at the airport: “Businesses both in state and out of state want to know what options are out there for private aviation. This delivers that. This is another selling point for the state of Connecticut and the growth that we foresee in the economy.”

Clay Lacy has worked with CT Aerotech, a Connecticut-based aircraft mechanics school, to develop technicians to enter the aviation industry. With a history of hiring Aerotech graduates, the company announced a new scholarship and internship program for students pursuing FAA certifications as airframe and powerplant technicians, providing $16,000 in annual scholarships and $10,500 in on-the-job internships.

All of the facilities under construction will be built in accordance with Clay Lacy’s Sustainability Strategy, and will be certified carbon neutral. For Clay Lacy, this will be its third FBO, joining its flagship facility at Van Nuys Airport and at John Wayne Orange County Airport.