Clay Lacy Breaks Ground on $20 Million Development at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC)

Clay Lacy Aviation has served the private aviation needs of the Northeast United States since 2016. Recently, it strengthened its commitment to the area and its economic future by celebrating the groundbreaking of its $20 million expansion at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Oxford, Connecticut.

And to foster the next generation of aviation professionals, Clay Lacy Aviation established an annual scholarship and internship program with CT Aerotech which operates a two-year Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology program in Hartford, Connecticut. On hand for the July 19 event were Connecticut aviation leaders; state officials; administrators, instructors, and students from CT Aerotech; and Clay Lacy team members.

(Left to right) Brian Kirkdoffer, President and CEO, Clay Lacy; Brad Wright, CFO, Clay Lacy; David Lehman, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development; Chris Hand, Senior VP Northeast, Clay Lacy; Dave Lamb, COO, Clay Lacy; Buddy Blackburn, Senior VP Oxford FBO, Clay Lacy; Willie McBride, Airport Manager, Waterbury-Oxford Airport; Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director, Connecticut Airport Authority

The first 11-acre phase will feature a passenger terminal, executive offices and a 40,000-square-foot hangar, with a focus on sustainable facilities and operations. Clay Lacy’s commitment to job creation and economic growth for the Oxford community will result in 200 new high-paying jobs with an annual payroll in excess of $32 million and 420 indirect jobs during the construction process. The new full-service FBO and maintenance facility is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.

Annual Scholarship and Internship Program Established with CT Areotech

Clay Lacy has worked with CT Aerotech, a Connecticut-based aircraft mechanics school, to develop technicians to enter the aviation industry. With a history of hiring Aerotech graduates, Clay Lacy executives – including Buddy Blackburn, SVP of the new Oxford FBO, and Chris Hand, SVP Northeast – announced a new annual scholarship and internship program for students pursuing FAA certifications as airframe and powerplant technicians, providing $16,000 in annual scholarships and $10,500 in on-the-job internships.

All the facilities under construction will be built in accordance with Clay Lacy’s Sustainability Strategy, and will be certified carbon neutral. The facilities include solar panel provisions, electric vehicle (EV) charging, electric aircraft charging, efficient building design, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The 16-acre site is able to accommodate additional phases, and an additional investment of $20 million, that would add an additional 80,000 square feet of hangar and office space.

Following the groundbreaking, attendees toured the current facilities, including a Bombardier Global 5000 that is part of Clay Lacy’s managed aircraft fleet. Clay Lacy currently has private charter, aircraft management and maintenance services at KOXC.