PETALUMA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Solairus Aviation, a leading private aviation services provider, today announced an agreement to acquire the Aircraft Management and Charter divisions of Clay Lacy Aviation.
Solairus currently manages approximately 360 aircraft from more than 100 base locations across North America, while Clay Lacy manages approximately 140 aircraft. Upon completion of the transaction, Solairus will operate the world’s largest managed fleet, comprising more than 500 aircraft. The company will remain headquartered in Petaluma, California, with offices in Los Angeles and New York.
“With this transaction, Solairus solidifies its position as the leading pure-play aircraft management company in the world,” said Dan Drohan, Founder and CEO of Solairus. “As key players in the aircraft management business, Solairus and Clay Lacy Aviation have both been successful because of our fundamental belief that the aviation business is not simply about airplanes,” he continued. “It is about people, relationships, trust and service. Together, we will be better equipped to enhance the client experience while maintaining the high-touch, personalized management services that have been the hallmark of Solairus and Clay Lacy. Ultimately, our goal is simple: to ensure the combined company is the clear provider of choice for private aircraft management and charter services.”
The private aviation landscape is evolving, and scale is increasingly important to delivering an elevated client experience. The combination of the Solairus and Clay Lacy fleets will strengthen the competitive position while maintaining the heightened level of service clients deserve. Greater scale will help manage rising costs, negotiate improved pricing, expand access and enhance service. Together, Solairus and Clay Lacy are focused on setting a higher standard for private aviation management and services.
“The foundation of this transaction is our shared philosophies and our common emphasis on safety, customer experience and employee culture,” said Brian Kirkdoffer, Chairman of the Board of Clay Lacy Aviation. “We know that we’re putting our valued clients in good hands with Solairus. In addition, this transaction will enable us to implement a more focused strategy for our FBO, Maintenance and Real Estate businesses. Clay Lacy will continue forward as a focused aviation infrastructure platform built around FBOs, aviation real estate, and aircraft maintenance. These businesses remain strong, important, and full of opportunity. They are central to the next chapter of Clay Lacy, and we are excited about their potential.”
The acquisition is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close at the end of September 2026. Until then, the parties will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. Under the terms of the transaction, the Clay Lacy Aviation Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Maintenance and Real Estate businesses would remain stand-alone entities under the Clay Lacy name with their current ownership. Jefferies acted as exclusive financial advisor to Clay Lacy Aviation.
About Solairus Aviation
Solairus is a U.S.-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Services are customized to meet each client’s unique travel requirements and to support their flight operations with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of aircraft location. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Solairus has more than 100 base locations nationwide, employing over 1,200 flight crew and support professionals. The company operates a managed fleet of more than 360 aircraft and holds IS-BAO Stage Three, ARG/US Platinum, and Wyvern Wingman safety ratings. Solairus also offers on-demand charter, aviation consulting, and operational support services. For more information, visit www.solairus.aero.
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