Clay Lacy Aviation has been recognised by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) with two honours at Van Nuys Airport (VNY): the VNY Friendly Flyer Award, which the company has received for the 10th time, and an inaugural VNY Green Tenant Award.

The Friendly Flyer Award recognises jet operators that demonstrate exceptional compliance with voluntary aircraft noise abatement procedures at VNY, going beyond mandatory requirements to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities. Criteria include increasing southbound jet departures, avoiding overnight flights and achieving 99% or greater compliance with the No Early Turn and Quiet Jet Departure programmes.

The Green Tenant Program recognises VNY tenants demonstrating environmental leadership and sustainable best practices. Clay Lacy, which operates an FBO and FAA Part 145 facility at the airport, was cited specifically for its advancements in zero-emission ground support equipment.

“Clay Lacy continues to set a benchmark for what it means to be an exceptional neighbour and partner at Van Nuys Airport,” says Jacob Haik, airport manager, Van Nuys Airport.

Scott Cutshall, president, real estate and sustainability, Clay Lacy Aviation, says: “These recognitions reflect the intentional work of our team to reduce noise, lower emissions and continually look for practical ways to implement sustainability strategies into all aspects of operations and facilities.”

Clay Lacy’s sustainability practices extend beyond Van Nuys, including electric ground equipment, renewable electricity sourcing, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, recycling programmes and the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Its facilities have maintained carbon-neutral certification since 2019.

The 2025 Friendly Flyer and inaugural Green Tenant awards were presented on 23 September at Van Nuys City Hall during a recognition breakfast and ceremony hosted by LAWA.

Founded in 1968 by aviator Clay Lacy, the company specialises in FBO and aircraft maintenance, avionics and interiors services. It has full-service FBOs at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport and Waterbury-Oxford Airport, with a future location due to serve Sun Valley, Idaho. Clay Lacy also operates FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centres in Los Angeles and Oxford, Connecticut.