Every day brings the first phase of Clay Lacy Aviation’s expansion and development of its Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) facilities closer to completion. While the team makes progress with every shovel full of dirt moved or power panel installed, it recently passed one major milestone outside of the construction.

The first 40,000-square-foot hangar is now sold out ahead of is planned opening in early 2024. Business aviation’s strong response to the announced expansion has proven the anticipated need for more hangar space throughout the Northeast and New York metropolitan area.

The $20 million, 11-acre first phase of development will feature a new passenger terminal, executive offices and hangar space that will accommodate today’s large-cabin, ultra-long range jets, including the Bombardier Global 7500, the Falcon 10X or the Gulfstream G700.

While early commitments have filled up the first hangar, Clay Lacy is still taking reservations for Buildings No. 2 and 3, which have already begun their structural steel phase.

Designed for Fleets and Upgrades

The Oxford expansion has been designed with both current and future aircraft models in mind. Clay Lacy’s hangars are setting a new standard with 29-foot doors and floor space to accommodate larger wingspan aircraft.

Corporate flight departments with two or more aircraft can be hangered together, a feature that is considerably rare in the tight Tri-State market. Where corporate fleets that were previously spread amongst multiple airports or multiple hangars at a single airport, new consolidated operations and maintenance for flight departments with multiple aircraft can now be co-located in the same hangar increasing efficiently, security and convenience.

Clay Lacy’s development also addresses the upgauging trend within in the industry for owners to upgrade one or more of their aircraft, taking delivery of larger models. The facilities are built to handle a range of aircraft, from smaller turboprops to larger trans-continental aircraft that are becoming more and more popular.

With aircraft getting larger, and more new owners entering private aviation, the demand for space is at a premium. Existing owners are frequently upgrading to new equipment at the same time, adding to the space crunch.

Upgrading from a Gulfstream G550 to a G650 adds five additional feet in wingspan, and three feet in length (+777sf total). A Challenger 300 to a 3500 adds five feet in wingspan and the same in length (+345sf total). With significant upgauging happening throughout the industry, already limited hangar space will continue to accommodate fewer and fewer aircraft in the same hangar.

At Oxford, Clay Lacy delivers much needed new hangar space for large aircraft and a tailored aircraft storage solution that allows maximum protection and access for clients.

Expansion Benefits All Owners and Operators

With the ongoing Clay Lacy expansion, Oxford offers considerable advantages to Northeast aircraft owners and operators, including:

  • Connecticut’s largest business aviation airport
  • 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 available
  • New customs facilities on airport

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

Clay Lacy’s facilities nationwide have been certified carbon neutral by 4AIR since 2019 and it was the first company certified to the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Sustainability Standard for Aviation Business and the first join the EPA Green Power Program.

While one hangar is completely sold, availability still remains in hangars two and three, which will become operational in phases. Prospective tenants should contact Clay Lacy’s Oxford team now to secure their spots.