JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Unleaded Avgas Moves Closer to Fleetwide Approval

January 10, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

A proposed unleaded avgas has moved closer to fleetwide approval.
UL100E is the only unleaded 100-octane fuel in the FAA's approval process.
Fleetwide FAA approval could follow later in 2026.
The fuel aims to replace leaded 100LL avgas.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

The development of UL100E may indicate a significant shift in the general aviation industry towards unleaded fuels, which could have far-reaching implications for environmental and regulatory compliance. The FAA's approval process suggests a potential market opportunity for LyondellBasell and VP Racing Fuels, and may set a precedent for future fuel development.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

New Standard Specification Clears Hurdle For UL100E Fuel

A proposed 100-octane unleaded aviation fuel, UL100E, has moved closer to potential fleetwide approval, as the US general aviation industry faces pressure to transition away from leaded 100LL avgas. The fuel, developed by LyondellBasell and VP Racing Fuels, is the only unleaded 100-octane fuel participating in the FAA’s Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) approval path. With testing still underway, the companies said fleetwide FAA approval could follow later in 2026. The initiative was launched in 2014 to address mounting environmental and regulatory pressure to eliminate lead emissions from aviation gasoline. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source

Companies Mentioned