Clay Lacy Aviation

Clay Lacy Aviation at John Wayne Airport has earned recognition from pilots and passengers alike. The facility took the top ranking in AIN's FBO Survey for Line Service in both 2023 and 2024, and for Customer Service across the Americas in both years. The maintenance operation has held NATA's 5-Star Aviation Maintenance Technician Award for 10 consecutive years, operating as an FAA Part 145 Repair Station.

The current facility is being replaced. Clay Lacy broke ground on a Gensler-designed terminal in November 2024. The new building will cover 41,800 square feet of terminal and office space, with four additional hangars totaling 145,000 square feet on a 6.7-acre ramp. The project carries IS-Envision Gold certification for a carbon-neutral design and includes EV charging infrastructure. Sustainable Aviation Fuel is available now at the existing facility.

Newport Beach is 10 minutes from the ramp. Irvine is also about 10 minutes. John Wayne's central Orange County location makes it a practical arrival airport for passengers visiting coastal communities or the business corridor along the 405.

The FAA Part 145 capability means aircraft maintenance can happen during a layover rather than waiting for a ferry flight to a separate shop. For management customers and charter operators with aircraft based at SNA, that in-house service reduces downtime.

Clay Lacy runs 24 hours a day. John Wayne's noise abatement curfew applies to late-night departures, so confirming departure windows at booking avoids complications. The new facility, expected to open after the current construction cycle completes, will bring 180 new jobs to the airport and expand capacity for additional based aircraft.