Press Release
Issued by Clay Lacy Aviation.
April 28, 2026
Clay Lacy Aviation today announced that it will not charge special event fees at any of its three fixed base operator (FBO) locations throughout the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off June 11. The company's decision underscores its commitment to transparency, exceptional service and unwavering hospitality as the world's largest sporting event comes to North America.
"In our industry, special event fees were originally implemented to help offset the legitimate and significant costs associated with handling high-volume traffic within a compressed timeframe such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby or Formula 1 race weekends," said Doug Wilson, chief business officer for Clay Lacy Aviation FBOs. "These events can require flying in additional personnel, securing accommodations, bringing in extra ground support equipment and mobilising more fuel trucks to meet demand, all of which drive real operational expense."
However, Clay Lacy notes that in recent years, the scope of special event fees has expanded to include smaller gatherings that do not generate significant air traffic. With the 2026 World Cup spanning 16 host cities across three countries over a full month of play, the company anticipates no such logistical strain, aside from possibly the final match on July 19 outside of New York City.
"For this global celebration of sport, we want to ensure clients from around the world can enjoy simple, fair and exceptional service, without any unnecessary surcharges," said Wilson. "We look forward to welcoming fans, teams and partners as they arrive in North America for the first time in a generation to experience the thrill of World Cup soccer."
To celebrate this historic occasion, Clay Lacy Aviation has created a special edition World Cup 2026 commemorative challenge coin, available exclusively at all Clay Lacy FBO locations. Designed to honour the spirit of international competition and the aviation professionals who make global travel possible, the coin will be available as a complimentary keepsake for visiting crew members and passengers throughout the tournament.
Clay Lacy full-service Californian FBOs at Van Nuys Airport and Orange County–John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana are perfect for games in Los Angeles, while its northeast location at Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut offers hassle-free travel to New York and Boston games. Travellers will enjoy exceptional service at all locations.
While Clay Lacy FBOs anticipate steady, not congested, travel during the World Cup, guests are encouraged to make early reservations for preferred arrival times to ensure a seamless experience as they travel to cheer on their favourite teams. Clay Lacy is also reserving jet charter flights to all 16 host cities across the continent.
Clay Lacy Aviation invites guests to experience its world-class facilities, legendary service and a team dedicated to delivering smooth, efficient operations across the nation's most dynamic travel markets.
