Solairus Aviation has agreed to acquire the aircraft management and charter business of Clay Lacy Aviation, creating a managed fleet of more than 500 aircraft.

Solairus currently manages approximately 360 aircraft from more than 100 base locations across North America, while Clay Lacy manages approximately 140 aircraft. Upon completion of the transaction, Solairus says it will operate the world’s largest managed fleet. The company will remain headquartered in Petaluma, California, with offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Solairus founder and CEO Dan Drohan says: “As key players in the aircraft management business, Solairus and Clay Lacy Aviation have both been successful because of our fundamental belief that the aviation business is not simply about airplanes. It is about people, relationships, trust and service.”

The combination of the Solairus and Clay Lacy fleets will increase the scale of the business, which the companies say will help manage rising costs, negotiate improved pricing and expand access.

Clay Lacy Aviation chairman Brian Kirkdoffer says: “The foundation of this transaction is our shared philosophies and our common emphasis on safety, customer experience and employee culture. We know that we’re putting our valued clients in good hands with Solairus. In addition, this transaction will enable us to implement a more focused strategy for our FBO, maintenance and real estate businesses.”

Clay Lacy’s FBO, maintenance and real estate businesses will remain stand-alone entities under the Clay Lacy name and their current ownership. Clay Lacy operates full-service FBOs at Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles, Orange County’s John Wayne airport and Waterbury-Oxford airport, with a future location serving Sun Valley, Idaho. It also operates FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centres in Los Angeles and Oxford, Connecticut.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close at the end of September 2026. Until then, the companies will continue to operate separately. Financial terms were not disclosed. Jefferies acted as exclusive financial advisor to Clay Lacy.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, Solairus has more than 100 base locations nationwide and employs over 1,200 flight crew and support professionals. It also offers on-demand charter, aviation consulting and operational support services.