Clay Lacy Aviation is embarking on a US$20m expansion of its presence at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Oxford, Connecticut. The company has offered private aviation services in the Northeast US region since 2016.
Additionally, Clay Lacy Aviation established an annual scholarship and internship programme with CT Aerotech, which operates a two-year airframe mechanics and aircraft maintenance technology programme in Hartford, Connecticut. On hand for the event (held on 19 July 2022) were Connecticut aviation leaders; state officials; administrators, instructors and students from CT Aerotech; and Clay Lacy team members.
Left to right: Brian Kirkdoffer, president and CEO, Clay Lacy; Brad Wright, CFO, Clay Lacy; David Lehman, commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development; Chris Hand, senior VP Northeast, Clay Lacy; Dave Lamb, COO, Clay Lacy; Buddy Blackburn, senior VP Oxford FBO, Clay Lacy; Willie McBride, airport manager, Waterbury-Oxford Airport; Kevin A Dillon, AAE, executive director, Connecticut Airport Authority
“We’re breaking ground on what will be one of the finest FBO and aviation facilities in the country,” said Brian Kirkdoffer, president and CEO of Clay Lacy Aviation.
As the company’s East Coast headquarters, “it will expand and enhance all of the services that we provide,” Kirkdoffer said. “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 40,000ft² hangar, with a focus on sustainable facilities and operations. Clay Lacy’s commitment to job creation and economic growth for the Oxford community will result in 200 new jobs with an annual payroll in excess of US$32m and 420 indirect jobs during the construction process. The new full-service FBO and maintenance facility is expected to be completed in Spring 2024.
Brian Kirkdoffer of Clay Lacy Aviation
Scholarship and internship programme
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, Clay Lacy executives announced a new annual scholarship and internship programme for students pursuing FAA certifications as airframe and powerplant technicians, providing US$16,000 in annual scholarships and US$10,500 in on-the-job internships.
“We’ve established a great pipeline to support Connecticut and its economy,” said John Ryan, principal, CT Aerotech, of the partnership and internships with Clay Lacy. “This scholarship programme just further strengthens that resolve to put people here in Connecticut to work and get these jobs.”
Clay Lacy said all the facilities under construction will be built in accordance with its Sustainability Strategy and will be certified carbon neutral. The facilities include solar panel provisions, EV charging, electric aircraft charging, efficient building design, and SAF. The 16-acre site can accommodate additional phases, and an additional investment of US$20m, that would add an additional 80,000ft² of hangar and office space.
Following the ground-breaking, attendees toured the current facilities, including a Bombardier Global 5000 that is part of Clay Lacy’s managed aircraft fleet. Clay Lacy currently has private charter, aircraft management and maintenance services at KOXC.
The lunch and open house reception held at a current Clay Lacy hangar
