Solairus Aviation, a private aviation services provider based in Petaluma, California, has reached an agreement to acquire the Aircraft Management and Charter divisions of Van Nuys-based Clay Lacy Aviation. Upon completion of the deal, Solairus will oversee the world’s largest managed fleet, totaling more than 500 aircraft. The company will continue to be headquartered in Petaluma, with additional offices in Los Angeles and New York.

Currently, Solairus manages around 360 aircraft across more than 100 bases in North America, while Clay Lacy oversees approximately 140 aircraft. The acquisition is expected to provide greater operational scale, helping to control rising costs, secure better pricing, expand service access, and improve overall client experience.

Dan Drohan, founder and CEO of Solairus, described the transaction as a milestone that establishes his company as the leading pure-play aircraft management firm globally. He emphasized the shared values between the two companies, highlighting the importance of people, relationships, trust, and service. Drohan noted that the integration will preserve personalized management while enhancing the customer experience.

Brian Kirkdoffer, chairman of Clay Lacy Aviation, pointed to a common focus on safety, customer service, and employee culture as the foundation of the agreement. He clarified that Clay Lacy will maintain its core aviation infrastructure divisions—including fixed-base operations (FBOs), aviation real estate, and aircraft maintenance—as independent entities under the Clay Lacy brand with their existing ownership structure.

The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Jefferies served as exclusive financial advisor to Clay Lacy Aviation in the process.