Clay Lacy Aviation’s Big East Coast Investment

California-based aviation services provider Clay Lacy Aviation has broken ground on a $20 million FBO and MRO facility at Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC). The company, which has had a maintenance and charter presence at the airport since 2015, received approval for the facility in 2020.

Phase 1 of the 11-acre expansion is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2024 and will include a 5,000-square-foot terminal with covered vehicle parking and a 40,000-square-foot heated hangar that will accommodate ultra-long-range business jets. The company explained that the facility will result in 200 new high-paying jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $32 million and more than 400 indirect jobs during the construction process.

“We’re breaking ground on what will be one of the finest FBOs and aviation facilities in the country,” said company president and CEO Brian Kirkdoffer. He noted that the location will serve as Clay Lacy’s East Coast headquarters. “Oxford will be an incredible economic and employment engine, attracting and supporting the finest aircraft and flight operations in the world,” Kirkdoffer said.

A second development phase, anticipated for completion by mid-2025, will add a pair of 40,000-square-foot hangars and 10,000 square feet of office space. Further increasing the airport's utility, U.S. Customs service was just introduced at KOXC.

This will be Clay Lacy's third FBO, joining its flagship facility at Van Nuys Airport and one at John Wayne Orange County Airport. The company also operates FAA Part 145 repair stations at Van Nuys and San Diego, in addition to KOXC.