Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, has announced a partnership with Clay Lacy Aviation to provide electric charging as part of the US business aviation company's FBO network. The partnership is the first FBO agreement for Eviation that will allow for the charging of Alice, its all-electric aircraft, at all Clay Lacy Aviation FBOs in preparation for the model's expected entry into service in 2024.

For more than 50 years, Clay Lacy has offered aircraft management, charter, maintenance, avionics, interiors, aircraft cleaning and FBO services, which will now include electric aircraft charging. In 2020, the company developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and the environmental impact of Clay Lacy facilities and its clients. Adding charging services for the nine-passenger, two-crew member, emission-free Alice is another step toward the two companies' shared vision for a sustainable aviation industry.

“Clay Lacy has long prided itself on industry firsts and we are now adding yet another through our partnership with Eviation,” says Brian Kirkdoffer, president and CEO at Clay Lacy Aviation. “One of those firsts was introducing the first carbon offset programme and a robust sustainability strategy in the aircraft management industry. We are proud to take that a giant step further with charging the zero-emission Alice at our FBOs.”

“This partnership is just the beginning for Eviation as we look to build out the supporting infrastructure needed to bring electric aviation to life,” adds Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO of Eviation. “With a network of visionary FBOs, we can ensure accessible, quick and seamless charging as we march toward a cleaner aviation future.”

Eviation chairman Roei Ganzarski explains: “Now, operators can choose to make the financially and environmentally sustainable choice for their aircraft. With partners like Clay Lacy Aviation we are bringing the option of low-cost, clean electric flight closer to more and more communities.”

Clay Lacy has full service FBOs at Van Nuys and John Wayne Orange County in California and a private hangar at Maui Kahului in Hawaii. Another full service FBO is due to open at Waterbury-Oxford airport in Connecticut in 2022.