Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) officials and the Jefferson County Board Commissioners Wednesday announced the airport’s accelerated timeline to transition to unleaded fuel three years ahead of the FAA deadline. The goal is to be the first airport in Colorado to eliminate leaded fuels.

RMMA, the fastest growing airport in the state, is already in the process of switching over to UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline, which is compatible with two-thirds of RMMA’s fleet. The airport’s purchase of a new fuel truck and tank for transport and storage of the unleaded fuel has paved the way for the transition to be completed by fall of 2024.

Critically, the infrastructure for UL94 unleaded fuel is entirely compatible with 100UL, an unleaded gasoline suitable for all piston aircraft engines but was only FAA-approved in the last quarter of 2022. As the fuel becomes more widely available, RMMA will proactively and fully transition to 100UL unleaded fuel in the next two to three years – well before the FAA’s 2030 target date for the full elimination of leaded aviation gas.

“Our team’s commitment to innovative solutions and community collaboration is why the airport’s full transition will be well in advance of the FAA deadline,” said RMMA director Paul Anslow. “The aviation industry is working to scale production of 100UL for the larger market, and we feel confident that availability will rapidly increase while the price decreases. Our goal is to be the first airport in the state that fully transitions to unleaded fuel.”

Jefferson County Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp, who has worked steadily with airport officials and community representatives, said these types of partnerships ensure that Jefferson county continues to be the best place to live and work in Colorado.

“This transition is about balance and innovation,” she said. “Responsible airport development brings jobs and opportunity to the county’s residents and businesses while protecting the quality of life of our citizens.”

RMMA, founded in 1960 and owned and operated by Jefferson County, is a general reliever for Denver International Airport. The third busiest airport in the state, RMMA has more than 400 aircraft and 50 businesses. A major economic driver in the region, the airport’s yearly economic impact is $731 million, according to a 2020 economic impact report issued by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).