Clay Lacy prepares to open Waterbury-Oxford FBO

Clay Lacy Aviation’s newest FBO and hangar complex at Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) serving New York and the greater Northeast is nearing completion and scheduled to open this summer.

Featuring 120,000 square feet of new hangars, the large corporate facilities answer the need for new hangar space in the region, combined with the convenience and reduced costs associated with basing an aircraft in Connecticut.

“The facility still has room to accommodate more super-mid, large-cabin, and ultra-long range jets,” said David “Buddy” Blackburn, Chief Business Officer for Clay Lacy FBOs. “Corporate flight departments with two or more aircraft can be hangared together, a feature that is considerably rare in the tight Tri-State market.”

Installation of 29′ hangar doors built for today’s largest jet aircraft.

Clay Lacy’s modern hangars are setting a new standard with 29-foot doors and floor space to accommodate larger wingspan aircraft, including the Bombardier Global 7500, the Falcon 10X, and the Gulfstream G700.

Entering final phase of construction

Following a mild Northeast winter, the construction is entering its final phase. The superstructure and concrete pours for all three hangars have been completed. Construction of the FBO building continues as the framed-in glass lobby will be a visible marker for its progress. The taxiway to access Connecticut’s longest business aviation runway is completed with the remaining ramp and parking facilities expected to be finished shortly.

Clay Lacy Aviation’s FBO and hangar complex at Waterbury-Oxford Airport.

“We are nearly complete with the infrastructure,” said Blackburn. “While it is easy to see the physical aspects of this ambitious project nearing completion, there has been just as much activity behind the scenes customizing build-to-suit office spaces, organizing fueling and operational equipment, and building out our team to provide legendary service to our customers.”

Adding local expertise

Clay Lacy Aviation also announces the addition of Maria Garceau as FBO General Manager for the new facility. Garceau has spent much of her career at Connecticut-based aviation facilities. She joined Clay Lacy in March with more than 20 years of FBO experience, including previous General Manager positions that oversee every aspect of the customer experience, including line service, training and operations.

Maria Garceau.

“It’s an honor to be able to help design and implement the ultimate customer experience at Clay Lacy’s first Northeast FBO that matches the experience travelers have come to expect from Clay Lacy nationwide,” Garceau said. “Every interaction they have will reflect the passion for aviation and dedication to service that we share.”

A view inside the hangars.

Benefits for Owners and Operators

All the facilities under construction are built in accordance with Clay Lacy’s Sustainability Strategy, and will be certified and operated carbon neutral. The facilities include solar panel provisions, electric vehicle (EV) charging, electric aircraft charging, efficient building design, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

In addition, Oxford offers considerable cost savings and advantages, including:

• Connecticut’s largest business aviation airport
• On-airport maintenance, avionics, and AOG services
• Short flights to NY-metro airports
• Less congestion and flight activity, allowing short taxi times and quick departures
• 30% lower costs on hangar and office rentals, and sales tax benefits
• Higher availability than NY-based airports
• Runway improvements that can accommodate ultra-long range aircraft up to Global 7500
• Covered auto parking
• New customs facilities on airport
• De-icing pad added on airport.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 16th May 2024 | Issue #748