Sustainable & Connected: Santa Monica takes step towards minimizing leaded fuel at its airport

December 5, 2024 9:05 AM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2024) – The city of Santa Monica increased cleaner fuel options at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) by being the first city in the nation to bring Swift Fuels’ 100R unleaded fuel to the SMO self service fuel station, marking a major step in minimizing leaded fuel use.

The 100R unleaded aviation fuel is currently available for limited use for two types of aircraft through its FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval, the Cessna 172 R and S model aircraft. By mid 2025, it is expected that 100R will receive certification for most, if not all, piston powered aircraft at SMO.

Santa Monica is a leader in offering cleaner aviation fuel options, having been the first city in Southern California to supply UL94 unleaded aviation fuel in 2022.

“We are thrilled to introduce 100R at SMO,” Chief Operations Officer/Airport Director Stelios Makrides said. “Bringing this new fuel aligns with the city’s values as a leader in sustainability and this is a significant step towards minimizing reliance on leaded fuels.”

To ensure a successful introduction, the city has partnered with Ascension Group Partners (AGP) to help facilitate the transition to 100R. As it did with the introduction of UL94, the city will be providing incentives to its tenants, such as reimbursement for the costs of transitioning approved aircraft to 100R.

“Ascension Group Partners recognizes and is honored to support the city of Santa Monica in their proactive leadership and this progressive effort in the evolution of the industry towards a permanent unleaded aviation gasoline future, and their commitment to advance these efforts ahead of industry guidelines, based on Swift’s collaboration in following industry consensus on American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines,” Ascension Group Partners’ Chief Operating Officer Justin Castagna said.

For more information about Santa Monica Airport, visit santamonica.gov/places/city-facilities/santa-monica-airport-smo.

Media Contact

Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov

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