Solairus Aviation to acquire Clay Lacy Aviation’s Aircraft Management and Charter divisions, adding 140 aircraft to its managed fleet.
Solairus currently manages 360 aircraft from more than 100 locations across North America, while Clay Lacy’s management business oversees around 140 aircraft. Following completion of the transaction, Solairus will operate one of the world’s largest managed private aircraft fleets.
The combined business will remain headquartered in Petaluma, California, with Solairus continuing to operate offices in Los Angeles and New York.
The acquisition will bring together the two companies’ aircraft management and charter operations, with Solairus citing increased scale as a way to manage operating costs, improve purchasing power and expand service capabilities for aircraft owners and charter customers.
Clay Lacy Chairman Brian Kirkdoffer said the transaction will allow the company to focus its remaining operations on aviation infrastructure, including fixed-base operations (FBOs), aircraft maintenance and aviation real estate.
Clay Lacy’s FBO, Maintenance and Real Estate businesses will remain separate under the Clay Lacy name and continue under their existing ownership.
Also Read – GE Aerospace completes ground testing of hybrid electric engine system for future flight demonstrations
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the deal is expected to close by the end of September 2026.
Until closing, Solairus and Clay Lacy will continue to operate as independent companies.
