Clay Lacy Aviation is celebrating 50 years at Van Nuys Airport, after its establishment as the first jet charter company west of the Mississippi in 1968. A Learjet 23 with a history as storied as Clay Lacy himself remains on display at the headquarters, serving as a tangible reminder of the company’s legacy. The aircraft was the first private business jet to land at Van Nuys Airport, in 1964, and countless Hollywood icons traveled onboard during its time in service.
Today, 60 aircraft are based at the FBO, with expansion projects under way to continue to enhance the company’s offerings at one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. A $13 million expansion and refurbishment of Clay Lacy’s Van Nuys headquarters was completed last year. The project added 63,000 sq ft of hangar space, three and a half acres of ramp space, and 21,000 sq ft of new office, training, and meeting space. The next phase of the master redevelopment plan will include a remodel of Clay Lacy’s FBO passenger terminal and offices.
This summer will mark another milestone at Clay Lacy, with efforts under way to open a new MRO facility that will increase its Part 145 repair station capabilities. The facility will offer 66,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of housing 15 large-cabin aircraft along with 86,599 sq ft of office, conference, and training space. The facility will also stock $2.5 million in parts inventory. Access to the facility from both the east and west ends of the hangar will be provided via four acres of ramp space.
Clay Lacy Van Nuys also supports development of the industry's talent pool. It is in its third year of offering maintenance technician scholarships through L.A. Unified School District's North Valley Occupational Center (NVOC) and assisted 46 students in the first two years with funds for tuition, tools, and FAA exam fees. NVOC offers both day and evening classes, allowing full-time students and working adults access to their program. Clay Lacy will host an aviation career day organized by the Van Nuys Airport and Los Angeles World Airports on April 27. More than 1,000 students are expected to attend the event.
Clay Lacy also offers FBO services in Seattle and Hawaii.
