Clay Lacy Aviation Membership Pricing

Clay Lacy is the world’s most experienced private jet operator that has been managing, maintaining, and operating jets for over 50 years. It’s the only aviation company that has worked with 6 U.S. presidents, and that’s further proof of the first-class service, safety, and value it brings to its clients. Their fleet comprises of over 100 jets from some of the best aircraft manufacturers, and it’s used for both domestic and international travel.

Let’s see how Clay Lacy Aviation became a leader in the aviation industry and what else it has to offer.

Company History

Clay Lacy Aviation was created in 1968 by its namesake Clay Lacy, a legendary aviator and entrepreneur. Over the next decade, the company delivered private jet flying to Hollywood’s greatest stars, business leaders, government officials, and other prominent figures, and started offering maintenance and management services as well. 

In 1981, the company established the world’s first all-jet FBO (private jet terminal) at their Van Nuys Airport headquarters. Two decades later, as their managed fleet increased to 30 aircraft, they established their second FBO and aircraft facility at Boeing Field in Seattle. 

In 2003, the world record pilot Brian Kirkdoffer was chosen to be the company’s president, who eventually became the CEO a decade later. 

To ensure they hire only the best pilots, in 2005 Clay Lacy built a flight simulator to assess pilot applicants and maintain their high-performance levels. A few years later, in 2009, the company managed the first business jet fleet that had high-speed wi-fi, which was a real advancement at the time.

Clay Lacy eventually merged with Key Air, 30-year-old aviation management and charter company, in 2016. As a result of their merger, they form a new Clay Lacy service and general aviation center in New York.

To reduce its carbon footprint, in 2020 Clay Lacy partnered up with World Kinect Energy Services. The purpose of this partnership was to create a sustainability program to achieve its climate objectives. The same year, Clay Lacy developed and executed CleanCheck safeguarding standards in all aspects of its business as a response to COVID-19. 

Today, Clay Lacy employs around 500 staff members, and they keep providing the same quality of service and offer great value to each customer (individual and corporate). 

Pricing

The cost of a charter flight is determined by the size of the aircraft, flight distance and destination, and other considerations. Use their flight cost calculator to get a fast quotation on private jet charter pricing. They offer a vast and diversified charter fleet and access to thousands of planes worldwide, so you’re bound to find the jet that’ll fit your exact needs.

The Clay Lacy Preferred Membership Program

Clay Lacy Preferred is the company’s only membership program. They advertise it as the next best thing to owning your plane, as it’s specifically designed for each individual member. The only information available about this membership program is the $100,000 minimum deposit, after which you have guaranteed availability to your favorite jets. To find out more or purchase their membership plan, you can apply on this link on their website, and they will contact you with the details.

Management, Maintenance, and FBOs

Other than private jet charters, Clay Lacy Aviation also offers jet management, jet maintenance, and FBOs, so let’s explore each service individually. 

1. Aircraft Management

Are you looking to reduce your ownership costs and make a profit while at it? The company has a private jet management team that offers personal attention with enormous resources. 

What are the benefits?

You will benefit from having significant purchasing power and good ties with worldwide providers because you will be part of one of America’s largest fleets. 

Other benefits include: 

• Lower price for gasoline;
• Jet parts;
• Maintenance; 
• Insurance; 
• Training; 
• Handling expenses; 
• You can use charter revenue returns to lower your ownership costs further.

You can work together with Clay Lacy and allow them to manage your plane. In return, you will get a significant Charter Revenue. You can choose your flight hours yearly and how many flight hours the company receives for chartering. Depending on that and jet size and model, you will get a quote. If you are interested, go to this link and follow the instructions. 

What can you expect? 

• A high and consistent profit from your aircraft chartering; 
• Your ownership costs reduced by up to 80%;
• Transparent insights and reports.

Carbon Offsets

Providing a voluntary program that allows aircraft owners to offset 100% of their carbon dioxide emissions is a part of Clay Lacy Aviation’s business sustainability goal. This project helps sustainability initiatives run by GoldStandard.org and Verra.org whose tasks involve restoring, protecting, and better managing forests.

What are carbon offsets, precisely?

Carbon offsets are a way to go if you want to help the environment. They are certifications issued as a result of initiatives or activities that decrease, minimize, or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are quantified in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Each carbon offset indicates a one-tonne decrease in CO2 emissions, and each offset has a unique serial number that can be tracked.

The aviation sector is continuously developing more fuel-efficient engines and other energy sources while developing more sustainable fuels. Carbon offsets are now accessible and describe one approach to reducing net carbon impact if purchased. They offer a simple, affordable, and straightforward way for aircraft owners and passengers to offset their carbon footprints by backing sustainable initiatives worldwide, including wind and solar farm expansion, methane gas absorption, and forest regeneration.

What is a carbon offset scheme and how does it work? 

In business aviation, this implies supporting measured, verifiable emission reductions from approved initiatives that remove an equal amount of CO2 from the atmosphere to offset your CO2 emissions from using jet fuel. Carbon credits (known as carbon offsets) are certifications issued due to initiatives or activities that decrease, minimize, or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. 

Clay Lacy is very proud to have carbon offset as part of their business and management, and they are taking the following steps to ensure carbon dioxide absorption:

• Calculating the carbon footprint of the aircraft.
• Purchasing and selling carbon offsets.
• Contributing a portion of the proceeds from the retired offsets to a green cause.
• Sending you a detailed report.

To ensure maximum openness and responsibility, Clay Lacy had its program reviewed by 4Air on a business and aviation level. Calculations, emission levels, and carbon offsets are all evaluated on a regular basis for accuracy and appropriate retirements. When an aircraft achieves the sustainability level requirement, it receives a bronze certification from 4Air as well as a certificate to display.

2. Aircraft Maintainance 

Another sector in their business is aircraft maintenance. Through their FAA Part 145 Repair Stations, Clay Lacy offers complete aircraft maintenance performed by their factory-trained professionals, such as: 

• Light line maintenance;
• Major airframe inspections; 
• Jet engine and APU maintenance; 
• Avionics and interior entertainment upgrades and repairs;
• Thorough upholstery treatments.

You can make an aircraft maintenance request on this link and get a prompt offer from the company.

They will constantly keep you up to date with prompt information about the maintenance in the following way:

• Aircraft arrival checklist and report; 
• Pre-arrival orientation and planning meeting;
• The entire plane is captured on video;
• Proactive project updates with images provided regularly;
• Review of the final logbook and invoices.

You can visit their website for more information about jet service, examination, and repair facilities. They offer maintenance to the following jet models:

• Gulfstream;
• Dassault Falcon;
• Embraer;
• Hawker;
• Learjet.

Clay Lacy has high competence in the avionics systems for jet aircraft. They provide avionics equipment servicing, full-suite installs, and software upgrades as an authorized dealer for the top jet avionics suppliers. You can rely on their expertise in jet avionics while saving money thanks to their contacts in the sector. Visit this link for additional information on their jet avionics services, Wi-Fi, and entertainment updates.

3. Clay Lacy Aviation FBO Services

You can expect friendly, expert help from the industry’s most qualified workforce and first-class FBOs.

FBO locations:

• Van Nuys Airport – Van Nuys, California;
• John Wayne Airport – Costa Mesa, California.

Clay Lacy is expanding its Waterbury-Oxford Airport facilities, expected to be done by 2023, by building a full-service FBO and corporate hangar complex in the Northeastern United States.

The Fleet 

Clay Lacy Aviation is the proud owner of one of the most advanced private jet charter fleets in the United States and has more Wi-Fi-equipped planes than any other private jet operator. 

The Clay Lacy Aviation fleet consists of various jets of all sizes made by some of the best manufacturers, such as Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Hawker, Pilatus, and others.

1. Light Private Jets

Light jets are the most cost-effective option in the Clay Lacy fleet. The beauty of these jets is that they can land or take off at a variety of locations, even those with short runways. For short and medium distances, this type of aircraft can transport between four and seven passengers. The aircraft range can get to a maximum of 3,000+ kilometers, with an average peak speed of more than 600 kilometers per hour. 

Our Recommendation: The Pilatus PC-24

The PC-24 combines the adaptability of a turboprop with the light jet capability, making it ideal for shorter trips that require speed and luxury. It’s the only business aircraft that can take off and land on asphalt and even on rural road areas, with a short distance of around 3,000 feet, allowing you to fly to over 30,000 airports around the world. Not many jets are approved for single-pilot and dual-pilot operation, but the PC-24 is.

Specifications:

• Six seats;
• Two beds;
• Range of 2,000 nm;
• Speed up to 500 miles per hour;
• Available Wi-Fi on board;
• Luggage 90 cu ft;
• One lavatory;
• Cabin width 5′ 7″;
• Cabin length 23′;
• Cabin height 5′ 1″;
• Equipped with cutting-edge technologies;
• Interior created by BMW Designworks;
• Inboard iPads;
• Power outlets;
• Stream movies and other entertainment options.

2. Midsize Private Jets

The jets in this aircraft class have a range of roughly 3,000 nautical miles and a flying period of more than four hours. Some mid-size planes offer nonstop service, while others may require a single fuel stop along the route. 

Our Recommendation: The Gulfstream G150

The Gulfstream G150 offers a well-designed, spacious cabin that can accommodate up to 7 passengers. It features several TV monitors, baggage space, charging points, a kitchenette, and a variety of other features, such as:

• Two beds;
• Range of 2,800 nm;
• Luggage space of 80 cu ft;
• One lavatory1;
• Cabin width 5′ 8″;
• Cabin length 17′ 8″;
• Cabin height 5′ 8″.

Other jet types in this category are Hawker 900XP and Hawker 850XP.

3. Super-Midsize Private Jets 

With their larger cabins, more luggage space, and increased range, these planes combine the comfort, luxury, and performance of larger planes. In the Clay Lacy fleet, they are the most adaptable aircraft.

Our Recommendation: The Bombardier Challenger 350

The Challenger 350 aircraft is designed to be perfectly balanced and will ensure you a seamless flight, as well as smooth takeoff and landing. The Challenger 350 is a comfort leader in its category, perfect for long-distance destinations, and can accommodate up to 8 passengers. 

Specifications:

• Eight seats;
• Four beds;
• Range of 3,200 nm;
• Available Wi-Fi on board;
• Attendant on board;
• Luggage space 115 cu ft;
• One lavatory;
• Cabin width 7′ 2″;
• Cabin length 25′ 2″;
• Cabin height 6′ 0″;
• 180° swivel and recline in hand-sculpted chairs;
• Cutting-edge technology;
• Tastefully designed amenities.

Air-to-ground communication keeps you connected to the world below. You will experience an unrivaled audio sound from inbuilt sidewall speakers. You can also connect your gadgets to high-definition displays and indulge in your favorite movie. The following items are included in your in-flight entertainment system:

• 22-inch high-definition monitors;
• Access to the internet;
• Universal HDMI and USB connections;
• You can use personal electronic devices to wirelessly manage the cabin’s entertainment.

Other jet types available in the super-midsize category are Gulfstream G280 and

Cessna Citation X.

4. Large Private Jets

Large private aircraft are the biggest jets in the Clay Lacy fleet and can accommodate from 14 to 20 travelers, depending on the seating arrangement of the cabin’s interior. They provide unparalleled comfort and luxury, and are perfect for transcontinental travel and accomodating larger groups.

Our Recommendation: Gulfstream GIVSP 

Gulfstream planes are known for their refinement, luxury, and safety. The GIVSP has established itself as a top local and international business jet. It has individually reclining seats, a four-person table that’s suitable for meetings, and a cozy couch perfect for a nap. The cabin has luxury beds for up to six people. You’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, thanks to a cabin with consistent fresh air, more than ten oval windows, and a low cabin altitude of approximately 6,000 feet.

Specifications:

• Fourteen seats;
• Six beds;
• Range of 3,880 nm;
• Available onboard Wi-Fi;
• Onboard attendant;
• Luggage space 169 cu ft;
• One lavatory;
• Cabin width 7′ 3″;
• Cabin length 45′ 1″;
• Cabin height 6′ 2″;
• Powered by two Rolls Royce engines;
• Cruising speed of 548 mph.

Other jet types available in this category are Embraer Legacy 600, Bombardier Challenger 604, Global Express, Global 500/6000, Dassault, Falcon 2000/ 7X/ LX/ EX/ EA/ 900C, and Gulfstream GIV/ G450/ G500/ GV/ G550/ G650ER.

Company Safety Policy and Standards

Clay Lacy Aviation has some of the industry’s highest safety ratings, including:

• IS-BAO Stage 3 certification for satisfying the highest performance and safety requirements in the world;
• ARGUS Platinum aviation safety certification;
• Award for the best pilot training program in the United States;
• Holding the Wyvern Wingman aviation safety rating earlier than every other operator worldwide;
• Aviation maintenance technicians have received the NATA Five Star Award for training and development;
• The FAA Diamond Award for outstanding servicing, education, and support performance.

Every year, the whole crew receives training on flight operations and CPR. Moreover, the company takes action against COVID-19, following their CleanCheck Safety Standard.

Pilots

Pilot applicants must go through a rigorous recruitment procedure. Clay Lacy first goes through its extensive network and looks for recommendations within the industry. Then a video conference is held as a warm-up. If everything goes well, the applicants get an invitation to a formal interview and a flying simulator examination. Finally, they have to pass the interview with the aircraft owner.

Pilots and Clay Lacy’s staff get an awarded, high-quality training that includes the following:

• Every pilot has flight training twice a year, including full-motion simulators.
• International annual training, onboard emergency training, and overwater training.
• Cuisine, ethics, and emergency training are all provided to cabin attendants.

Moreover, the Clay Lacy pilot training program is named by ARGUS as the best pilot training program in the United States.

Onboard service at Clay Lacy is always superb on every trip, offering assistance before and after your flight. The cabin attendants are committed to excellence throughout the whole flight.

Clay Lacy has a specialized ground team located in Van Nuys Airport. They will provide your jets crew expert support. There is also an onsite amenities store with high-quality supplies that can be shipped directly to your jet. 

Summary

Clay Lacy Aviation provides airplane management, leasing, repairs, equipment, furnishings, and FBO services to people and companies.

Clay Lacy Aviation is perhaps the most competent private jet operator globally, providing exceptional security, support, and value to aircraft owners and jet passengers all over the world. They operate private jet aircraft from Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, and Pilatus from locations around the United States to destinations across the world.