Availability of 100R Lead-Free Avgas Caps Year of Positive Developments for SMO

Dec. 18, 2024

A series of recent changes add up to some welcome good news for the oft-beleaguered Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO), as NBAA and other stakeholders continue their work to ensure the Southern California airfield’s long-term future.

This month, Swift Fuels 100R unleaded aviation gasoline was made available at the airport’s self-service fuel station, making it the first U.S. airport to offer the fuel for retail purchase, two years after the introduction of UL94 avgas to the field.

“Bringing this new fuel aligns with the city’s values as a leader in sustainability,” said SMO Airport Director and COO Stelios Makrides. “This is a significant step towards minimizing reliance on leaded fuels.”

Swift 100R is currently approved for use in newer Cessna 172 models, with supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for other piston-engine aircraft expected soon. SMO will continue to offer 100LL and UL94 avgas until a full transition to an unleaded fuel can be made.

Alex Gertsen, NBAA senior director of airport advocacy and vertical infrastructure, noted SMO also offsets the added cost of unleaded over 100LL fuel, and will reimburse for the STC purchase and other necessary steps to enable the use of Swift 100R or 94UL.

“Santa Monica continues to lead the way in offering alternative fuels in ways that other airports could emulate,” he added.

Several infrastructure improvements also are underway at SMO. “In 2024, the city has completed a major airfield project that included replacement of the ailing airfield lighting infrastructure, restoration of airfield markings and runway pavement rehabilitation,” Makrides noted.

Expected projects in 2025 include a new pilot-controlled lighting system and continued pavement rehabilitation on airport ramps and taxiways. “Our commitment to safety is paramount,” Makrides added.

Additionally, because of a multi-year effort involving an FAA Part 16 complaint led by NBAA and including other stakeholders, the city implemented a 53 percent reduction in landing fees, rental rates and other charges, effective July 1.

Looking to the Future While Commemorating the Past

SMO also is emerging to the forefront of aviation’s electric generation. Atlantic Aviation partnered with BETA Technologies on electric infrastructure to support Archer Aviation’s anticipated launch of advanced air mobility (AAM) operations next year, while Santa Monica Flyers has received two Textron eAviation electric flight training aircraft.

In September, more than 3,000 local residents attended the airport open house, which NBAA sponsored. AAM companies Archer, Joby and Pivotal participated in the event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Douglas World Cruisers around-the-world flight that departed from what was then named Clover Field.

Despite these positive steps, the city holds the option to close SMO after Dec. 31, 2028, under a 2017 settlement agreement with the FAA. “With the city continuing the controversial airport conversion project, we remain vigilant and engaged to maintain positive momentum at SMO,” Gertsen said.

“As we near the pivotal 2028 date, NBAA looks forward to continuing to work with the city, FAA, the neighboring community, airport tenants and advocacy groups, including the Santa Monica Airport Association and the Spirit of Santa Monica, to make additional investments in building and preserving a stronger and more sustainable airport,” he said.