Solairus Aviation has acquired Clay Lacy Aviation for an undisclosed amount, consolidating two significant players in the private aviation sector. The transaction brings together Solairus’s large-scale aircraft management and charter operations with Clay Lacy’s six-decade legacy in full-service aviation support.
Clay Lacy Aviation, founded in 1968 by the pioneering pilot of the same name, operates as one of the most experienced private jet operators globally. Its portfolio spans aircraft management, on-demand charter, maintenance, avionics, interiors, and FBO services, serving prominent individuals and leading corporations. Solairus Aviation, known for its managed fleet and personalized flight solutions, will absorb these capabilities into its existing network.
The acquisition is strategic for Solairus, which gains immediate access to Clay Lacy’s established maintenance and FBO infrastructure, particularly on the West Coast. For Clay Lacy, joining Solairus provides scale in fleet management and broader operational resources without altering its service identity. The combined entity is expected to streamline charter availability and expand maintenance capacity across multiple bases, though specific integration plans have not been disclosed.
Both companies have emphasized continuity for existing clients, with Clay Lacy’s brand and operational teams expected to remain intact under the new ownership. The deal does not include any change in leadership roles, as Clay Lacy’s current management will continue to oversee daily operations. Financial terms were not made public, and no regulatory hurdles have been cited.
The combined organization will now operate one of the larger managed fleets in the U.S., with a stronger footprint in both charter and heavy maintenance. Industry observers will watch how Solairus leverages Clay Lacy’s repair station capabilities to capture more third-party work, while Clay Lacy’s client base gains access to Solairus’s broader dispatch network. The transaction closes a chapter for the founder-led company, which will now operate under new ownership while retaining its established name and service standards.