(Van Nuys, Calif., Chicago, Ill.—Oct. 25, 2012) California-based Clay Lacy Aviation (CLA) and Chicago-based Priester Aviation (Priester) proudly announce a newly developed strategic alliance. Both companies maintain strong independent brands and will continue to operate under their respective operating certificates, focus on their core businesses and work together to provide clients additional value wherever possible.
CLA and Priester aim to create a true nationwide service area for aircraft management, charter, maintenance, avionics, interior refurbishment, sales, acquisition and consulting. With a combined fleet of nearly 100 managed and 70 charter ready large, super midsize, midsize and small cabin aircraft based throughout the U.S., the alliance creates one of the largest aircraft management and charter networks in the country.
“This alliance represents greater nationwide services and support, additional charter supply and demand, and stronger buying power, as well as reduced costs and downtime for our current and future clients. We look forward to further enhancing the services both our great companies provide,” said CLA President Brian Kirkdoffer.
“Priester is proud to have formed this alliance with Clay Lacy Aviation, which has complimentary capabilities and a rich heritage similar to ours,” said Andy Priester, President and COO, Priester Aviation. “We are confident this alliance will continue to strengthen as we improve product offerings and deliver greater efficiencies to the business aviation community.”
As pioneers for over 65 years, the CLA and Priester families have dedicated themselves exclusively to providing the highest level of safety, service and value in the aviation industry.
About Clay Lacy Aviation
Founded in 1968 by world-renowned and record-holding pilot Clay Lacy, CLA operates one of the largest fleets of charter and managed aircraft in the world. The company’s fixed base operator facilities at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles and Boeing Field in Seattle offer aircraft charter, management, sales, maintenance, avionics, and aircraft interior and completion services. CLA offers additional jet charter, management and maintenance services in Denver, Colo.; Orange County and New York City, NY; and San Diego and Santa Barbara, Calif.
CLA is the recipient of numerous industry awards:
- “Best of the Best” Jet Charter Service and Aviation Management Company – Robb Report
- Diamond Award for Excellence in Maintenance Training/Proficiency – Federal Aviation Administration
- Best Pilot Training Program – Aviation Research Group/U.S. (ARGUS)
For more information, visit www.claylacy.com.
About Priester Aviation
Headquartered at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced aviation solutions providers, specializing in aircraft management and private jet charter, with over 65 years of aviation experience. Priester is a privately held company and holds the highest safety ratings including the ARG/US Platinum rating, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications. Priester’s aircraft are strategically based in Austin, TX; Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Green Bay, WI; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Milwaukee, WI; New York, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; St. Louis, MO; and Windsor Locks, CT.
For more information, visit www.priesterav.com.
