Solairus to acquire Clay Lacy’s aircraft management & charter divisions, expanding its scale in private aviation asset management & services

Solairus Aviation 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.

Dan Drohan, Founder and CEO of Solairus commented: “With this transaction, Solairus solidifies its position as the leading pure-play aircraft management company in the world. 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.”

Brian Kirkdoffer, Chairman of the Board of Clay Lacy Aviation stated: “The foundation of this transaction is our shared philosophies and our common emphasis on safety, customer experience and employee culture. 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 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 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, Clay Lacy Aviation 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.