December 5, 2024 -- Santa Monica has become the nation's first city to bring Swift Fuels' new 100-octane unleaded avgas to the self service fuel station at its airport.

Approved by the FAA is September, the 100R unleaded aviation fuel marks "a major step in minimizing leaded fuel use," City officials said Thursday.

GlobalAir.com called the FAA's approval "a crucial step toward eliminating lead emissions and providing unleaded fuel for General Aviation aircraft."

The FAA's Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval allows limited use of the fuel for two types of aircraft -- the Cessna 172 R and S models.

City officials expect the FAA will certify 100R "for most, if not all, piston powered aircraft" at Santa Monica Airport by mid 2025.

“We are thrilled to introduce 100R at SMO,” Chief Operations Officer/Airport Director Stelios Makrides said in a statement.

“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.”

The City is partnering with Ascension Group Partners (AGP) to help facilitate the transition to 100R and will be "providing incentives to its tenants, such as reimbursement for the costs of transitioning approved aircraft" to the fuel.

The City partnered with Ascension Group in 2022 when Santa Monica became the first city in Southern California to supply UL94 unleaded aviation fuel, a 94+ Motor-Octane aviation gasoline that meets the the Unleaded Avgas specification.

Ascension Group Partners’ Chief Operating Officer Justin Castagna praised Santa Monica's "progressive effort in the evolution of the industry towards a permanent unleaded aviation gasoline future."