California-based aviation services provider Clay Lacy Aviation has broken ground on a new $20 million FBO and MRO facility at Connecticut’s Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC). The company, which has had a maintenance and charter presence at the airport since 2015, initially received approval for the new facility in 2020.
Phase 1 of the 11-acre expansion is expected to be completed by first-quarter 2024 and will include a 5,000-sq-ft terminal with covered vehicle parking and a 40,000-sq-ft heated hangar that will accommodate ultra-long-range business jets. The company explained that the facility will result in 200 new high-paying jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $32 million and more than 400 indirect jobs during the construction process.
“We’re breaking ground on what will be one of the finest FBOs and aviation facilities in the country,” said company president and CEO Brian Kirkdoffer. He noted that the location will serve as Clay Lacy’s East Coast headquarters. “Oxford will be an incredible economic and employment engine, attracting and supporting the finest aircraft and flight operations in the world.”
A second development phase anticipated for completion by mid-2025 will add a pair of 40,000-sq-ft hangars and 10,000 sq ft of office space. Further increasing the airport's utility, U.S. Customs service was just introduced at KOXC.
For Clay Lacy, this will be its third FBO, joining its flagship facility at Van Nuys Airport and at John Wayne Orange County Airport. The company also operates FAA Part 145 repair stations at Van Nuys and San Diego, in addition to KOXC.
