Clay Lacy adds five new jets to fleet ‘thanks to market longevity’

Longevity, stability and experience in the market, especially during an unprecedented global Covid-19 pandemic, are key factors behind Clay Lacy Aviation’s (CLA’s) addition of five jets to its charter fleet, senior Vice President, business operations, Scott Cutshall told Corporate Jet Investor  

“These five aircraft are owned by individuals who selected CLA after evaluating us against our competitors in the market,” said Cutshall. “Several of these aircraft were with other management companies and selected CLA due to our longevity, stability, and experience in the market, especially in these unprecedented times.”  

The five aircraft in question are a Global 6000, Gulfstream GV, Gulfstream GIV-SP, Challenger 350 and Falcon 2000 and will operate out of Boston and Los Angeles. Each jet is extremely popular in the charter market, he said: “The Global 6000 and Gulfstream GV provide our customers with additional ultra-long-range options for intercontinental non-stop travel, while the Challenger 350 is the most popular SuperMidsize jet in the charter market today. The Falcon 2000 and Gulfstream GIV-SP are core performers and will provide our clients even more choices for their future travel. 

Growth in the charter market has been consistent since the trough seen in April, due to global lockdown restrictions which saw a 94% decrease in owner and charter flying at CLA. Yet levels are still well below year-on-year averages. However, Cutshall told CJI that proactive steps taken by the company, such as its CleanCheck Standard hygiene initiative, has prompted the return of more clients.  

“In early May we introduced the CleanCheck Standard, a first in the industry at the time, to communicate the many changes we have implemented across our organisation to ensure the health and safety of our clients and employees.It has proven to be enormously successful and clients have expressed their appreciation for taking such proactive steps,” said Cutshall. 

Aside from charter, CLA also provides aircraft management, maintenance, avionics repair and upgrades, interior refurbishments, parts business, and FBO services in LA. Cutshall says demand for this area of the business has been strong.  

He attributes the high demand to the same reason that five jets have been added to the fleet: the company’s 53 years of operation and strong customer relationships.  

Cutshall explained: “Our MRO [maintenance repair and overhaul] business has been in extremely high demand during the pandemic. We have seen business running at 125% capacity. Many people are taking advantage of the decrease in flying to complete inspections, upgrades, refurbishments and other maintenance on their aircraft so  their planes are ready to fly when further restrictions are lifted.” 

Clay Lacy’s five new business jets  

Dassault Falcon 2000

Gulfstream GIVSP

Bombardier Challenger 350

Gulfstream GV

Bombardier Global 6000