With all the buzz over unleaded avgas, Swift Fuels wanted to remind the crowd at EAA AirVenture that has been marketing its 94UL product for six years. In 2015, the FAA certified UL94 unleaded avgas for two-thirds of the aircraft in the general aviation fleet. Certain high-performance engines are not eligible to use 94UL, but Swift’s 100R unleaded avgas is in development for those aircraft. 100R also uses 10 percent renewable materials, enhancing its “green” status.
The big news from Swift is a big expansion of its reach into the state of California. According to Chris D’Acosta, CEO of Swift Fuels, Rabbit Aviation at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in California was the first to sell UL94, back in June 2016. With the new outreach to the state, a total of 25 airports in northern California and 22 in southern California will now have 94UL available. As with any new airport that takes on supplying 94UL, the new outlets will receive a startup kit including signage, pamphlets, training, and oversight from Swift to go along with their supply of fuel.
D’Acosta said that, while he has no control over airport fees or the retail price that FBOs charge for 94UL, the wholesale price he charges is “comparable to that of 100 low lead” fuel. He cited the advantages of using unleaded avgas, including longer oil change intervals, fewer spark plug changes and longer engine life due to clean operation.
The only problem I have with Swift Fuel is the price. I’d rather carry Mogas at 50% less. At every place I’ve been to that has it, it’s even more than 100LL. Get that price down guys…Then way more fields will carry it.
Unfortunately, there’s no way these alternative fuels can be produced, distributed and sold for less than existing 100LL, or even the same as. They’re still created from petroleum (or something even more expensive), still distributed primarily by truck to scattered vendors serving a limited clientele, and on top of that the considerable development and certification costs have to be amortized in the pricing.
He’s killin’ us.
Where, exactly? California is a big place…
Sorry to be vague there. The full list of airports would be prohibitively long. You can find them on the Swift Fuels website. But I can tell you that Reid-Hillview is one of them, and that has made local headlines after a lot of negative publicity over lead levels.
“100R also uses 10 percent renewable materials to enhance its ‘green’ status.”
Whaaat? Are the sticking ethanol in there? I thought that lead-free fuel was its green status.
One big factor driving higher prices for Swift 94UL is transportation & storage. Many airports only have 1 Avgas tank or 2 tanks if two fuel suppliers.
Swift 94UL & 100LL fuel cannot be mixed in transportation or in airport storage tanks. Local refineries have Mogas, 100LL, and potentially Swift 94UL. Refineries, distributors and on-airport stations must also acquire a 3rd handling solution, which means buying more gear and passing on the price.
GAMI solved this problem by incorporating approval in their STC to mix with 100LL to any degree. Makes conversion to a new fuel much more cost compliant with existing infrastructure.