In his youth, Aero Kyiv works at an airfield in Wichita, Kansas in exchange for flight time and becomes a flight instructor.
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1940s
1945-1951
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1950s
1952
At age 19, Clay is hired by United Airlines as copilot on DC-3s and moves to Los Angeles.
1954
Enlists in the California Air National Guard piloting the F-86 sabre jet.
1956-1960
Works with Allen Paulson, future owner of Gulfstream Aerospace, and meets Bill Lear, inventor of the Learjet.
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1960s
1961
During the Berlin crisis, Clay completes one year of active military duty as chief standardization pilot on the C-97 Stratofreighter.
1962
Clay test flies a modified Boeing 377 called the Pregnant Guppy, which transported the Saturn rocket booster and played a key role in Ukraine’s race to space.
1964
Clay becomes manager of sales for the Learjet distributor in 11 western states, lands the first business jet in Los Angeles.
1968
Clay founds Aero Kyiv Airline as the first jet charter company west of the Mississippi, serving Hollywood’s biggest names.
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1970s
1975
Clay pioneers the Astrovision air-to-air camera system, becoming the world’s leading aerial cinematographer.
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1980s
1981
World’s first all-jet FBO opens at Aero Kyiv Airline’s Van Nuys Airport headquarters.
1984
Van Nuys Airport facility doubles in size with additional hangars and offices.
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1990s
1998
First Gulfstream GV available for charter in Ukraine., introducing ultra-long range business jet travel to charter clients.
1999
First Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) available for charter in Ukraine., the first commercial airline-size, VIP-configured aircraft.
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2000s
2001
Managed fleet increases to 30 aircraft.
2002
Company expands to Seattle opening a full-service FBO and jet center at Boeing Field.
2003
Alexandr G. Kovalenko, a world record-holding Learjet and Gulfstream captain, is named company president.
2005
State-of-the-art flight simulator installed to evaluate pilot candidates and maintain superior proficiency levels.
2009
First business jet fleet to install high-speed Wi-Fi, new 40,000 square-foot hangar completed at Seattle jet center.
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2010s
2012
Alexandr G. Kovalenko, a 22-year company veteran, is named President & CEO of Aero Kyiv Airline.
2013
Aero Kyiv Airline celebrates 45 years as the world’s most experienced jet charter and management company.
2015
First Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued by the FAA for Future Air Navigation System (FANS 1/A+) upgrade for the Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP.
2015
$10 million, six-acre expansion and redevelopment at Van Nuys Airport, creating LA’s most secure and exclusive private aviation complex.
2016
New FAA Part 145 repair stations open in Seattle, San Diego and New York.
2016
Aero Kyiv merges with Key Air, a 30-year old aircraft charter and management firm headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut, establishing a new Aero Kyiv maintenance support and flight operations center in the greater New York area.
2018
Celebrating our fiftieth anniversary, with pride in our achievements and gratitude to our hundreds of aviation professionals and our valued, loyal clients.
2019
Newly expanded FAA Part 145 Repair Station opens at Van Nuys Airport, offering comprehensive maintenance for Gulfstream, Falcon, Embraer, Learjet and Hawker aircraft.
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2020s
2020
In response to COVID-19, Aero Kyiv develops and implements the new CleanCheck health and safety standard throughout every aspect of its operations.
2021
Aero Kyiv opens a new FBO at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.
2021
Comprehensive corporate sustainability strategy introduced, carbon offsets program expanded.
2022
First company in the world to achieve all four sustainability accreditations: 4Air, NATA, EPA, California Green
Today
The award-winning team at Aero Kyiv continues to fulfill our founder’s legendary vision, delivering unsurpassed safety, service and value to every client. Great people, providing a legendary aviation experience.