Clay Lacy reaches milestone in first phase of $20m facility development

Clay Lacy Aviation has reached a major milestone in the first phase of the expansion and development of the Waterbury-Oxford Airport (OXC) facilities. The first 40,000-square-foot hangar is now sold out ahead of the anticipated opening in 2024. The strong response and support from the business aviation community has shown the need for more hangar space in the Northeast and New York metropolitan areas.RELATED STORY:Clay Lacy breaks ground on $20M new headquarters, launches aviation education initiative "We considered aircraft owners' needs first and foremost when developing this project," said Buddy Blackburn, SVP for Fixed-Based Operations at Waterbury-Oxford. "The overwhelming response has shown that aircraft owners and flight departments have been searching for space to accommodate both current and future aircraft models, and a tailored aircraft storage solution that allows maximum protection and access for clients." The new, $20-million facility and the 11-acre first phase of development features a new FBO passenger terminal, hangar space and executive offices. These hangars will be able to accommodate large-cabin, ultra-long-range jets like the Falcon 10X, Bombardier Global 7500 and Gulfstream G700. Early commitments have filled the first hangar and Clay Lacy is still taking reservations for hangars two and three, which have begun the structural steel phase. The Oxford hangars are designed to set a new standard. These buildings feature 29-foot doors and floor space necessary to accommodate larger wingspan aircraft. Corporate flight departments with two or more aircraft can be hangared together, which is uncommon in the Tri-State market. The latest development will also address the latest trend in the industry of raising prices with the increasing aircraft wingspan of newer models entering service. The facilities have been built to handle an expansive range of aircraft, including small turboprops and larger trans-continental aircraft with increasing popularity. As development continues, Clay Lacy is offering numerous advantages to Northeast aircraft owners and operators like new U.S. customer facilities at the airport, short flights to NY-metro airports, Connecticut's largest bizav airport, less congestion, shorter taxi times and quicker departures, higher availability than NY-based airports, covered auto parking, and runway improvements to accommodate ultra-long range aircraft like the Global 7500. The facilities are being built in accordance with Clay Lacy's Sustainability Strategy and will be certified carbon neutral. Sustainable features include solar panel provisions, electric aircraft charging provisions, efficient building design, electric vehicle charging and SAF. "This investment in Connecticut expands and enhances all the services Clay Lacy provides," Blackburn said. "It further cements the company's commitment to Northeast operators, and helps them achieve their aviation goals."