California-based FBO operator Clay Lacy Aviation has signed an agreement with Eviation Aircraft, which is developing the all-electric Alice airplane, to provide electric charging stations at all of its locations. The partnership makes it one of the first service providers to declare it will install the equipment required to support the operation of electric aircraft. Clay Lacy, which also operates a fleet of charter aircraft, has FBOs at Van Nuys and John Wayne Orange County Airports in California, with another slated to open next year in Connecticut.
According to president and CEO Brian Kirkdoffer, the company has prided itself on being in the vanguard of several environmental policies. “One of those firsts was introducing the first carbon offset program and a robust sustainability strategy in the aircraft management industry,” he noted. “We are proud to take that giant step further with charging the zero-emission Alice at our FBOs.”
Washington state-based Eviation expects the two crew, nine-passenger Alice to enter service in 2024. “This partnership is just the beginning for Eviation as we look to build out the supporting infrastructure needed to bring electric aviation to life,” said Omer Bar-Yohay, the airframer’s CEO. “With a network of visionary FBOs, we can ensure accessible, quick, and seamless charging as we march towards a cleaner aviation future.”