Amy Wilder is a private pilot with more than two decades of experience as a writer and editor in a career spanning journalism, marketing, and communications. 
She has worked in aviation journalism since 2023, combining a lifelong passion for flight and a love of the aviation community with a penchant for storytelling. As a licensed pilot, she brings firsthand insight to the stories she covers, lending an authentic, on-the-ground perspective to industry coverage.
She holds a Master of Arts in Eastern Classics and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts, both from St. John&#039;s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Culture.

Writer

Amy Wilder

Solairus Aviation is acquiring Clay Lacy Aviation’s aircraft management and charter divisions, which would push the former’s managed fleet beyond 500 aircraft. According to Solairus, this deal—announced in early August and set to close in September—will make it the world’s largest business aircraft management provider.
Brian Kirkdoffer, chair of Clay Lacy’s board, said the deal will allow Clay Lacy to sharpen its focus on its remaining FBO, maintenance, and real estate operations. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“With this transaction, Solairus solidifies its position as the leading pure-play aircraft management company in the world,” said Solairus founder and CEO Dan Drohan. “It is about people, relationships, trust, and service.” The combined company will be “better equipped to enhance the client experience while maintaining the high-touch, personalized management services that have been the hallmark of Solairus and Clay Lacy,” he added.
The deal stemmed from overlapping values between the two companies around safety and culture, Kirkdoffer said. “We know that we’re putting our valued clients in good hands with Solairus.”
Solairus currently manages roughly 360 aircraft from more than 100 bases across North America, while Clay Lacy manages about 140 aircraft. Once the deal closes, Solairus will run the combined operation out of its Petaluma, California headquarters, as well as offices in Los Angeles and New York.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Solairus Agrees To Acquire Clay Lacy Aircraft Charter Management Business

Combined fleet would top 500 managed aircraft

Solairus Aviation has agreed to acquire Clay Lacy’s aircraft management and charter divisions, which would push its total managed fleet past 500 aircraft.

Solairus To Acquire Clay Lacy Air Charter Management Biz

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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In this article

Clay Lacy Aviation

Solairus Aviation

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