The FBO, aircraft management, maintenance and charter services provider will redevelop its existing 14 acres on the airfield and establish the world’s first ISI Envision Gold Certified FBO by the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure, creating 180 jobs, investing in the local economy and workforce, as well as constructing a new purpose-built home for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Air Support Unit.
“I’m so honored to be standing here to break ground and celebrate what will be one of the finest FBOs and aviation facilities in the world,” said Brian Kirkdoffer, owner and chairman of Clay Lacy Aviation.
“This development is an investment in the future of Orange County, making it stronger and more competitive on the world stage, attracting and retaining great businesses.
“It will enhance and support the entire aviation ecosystem and pay it forward to the next generation of aviators and aviation professionals to live, to work and to thrive here in Orange County. This development is an investment in new and emerging air mobility technologies that will put Orange County at the forefront of the aviation industry with thoughtfully better, sustainable facilities.”
The development includes 41,800 square feet of offices and a passenger terminal, four hangars totaling 145,000 square feet, and a 6.7-acre ramp area.
Like all other Clay Lacy facilities, the Gensler-designed development will be certified carbon neutral focusing on sustainable features and operations, including solar panel provisions, EV charging, and efficient building design to reduce its environmental footprint.
It will include high-capacity electric aircraft charging to support ultra-quiet, emissions-free flight on all-electric and hybrid electric aircraft, while also continuing to supply a steady stream of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for conventional aircraft.
“Clay Lacy is the first of three fixed-based-operators at the airport who will help us transform the entire landscape of John Wayne Airport,” said Charlene Reynolds, airport director.
The Orange County groundbreaking follows the recent completion of 120,000 square feet of hangar space at its Northeast Regional Operation Center in Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Connecticut.
Like Oxford, the John Wayne Airport development will ensure that the hangars are designed for today’s newest and largest business aircraft, and help alleviate space demands in the region.
