Swift Fuels has announced the expansion of its approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 100R unleaded aviation gasoline. The update, issued on March 11, 2026, adds numerous piston engine models to the list certified to burn this low-octane, environmentally friendlier fuel, signaling a move toward wider adoption within the general aviation sector.
Since early 2024, Swift Fuels has supplied its 100R fuel to flight schools in the United States and several airfields across Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium. The recent certification updates now include 88 engine types from prominent manufacturers such as Continental and Lycoming, with each model designated as approved for the use of 100R in compliant aircraft.
The expansion aligns with industry goals to phase out the traditional 100LL leaded avgas, with target deadlines of 2030 in the U.S. and 2032 in Alaska. Swift Fuels has secured a production specification from ASTM International, which is a critical step toward commercializing and increasing the availability of 100R fuel. The company is also working on certifying higher-octane variants and larger radial and turbocharged engines, with completion expected in 2027.
Industry leaders, including Curt Castagna, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association, regard this as a landmark development in sustainable aviation fuels. Early operational reports indicate the fuel performs well without materials compatibility issues, supporting the sector’s environmentally responsible initiatives and emissions reductions goals.
Swift Fuels remains committed to collaborating with the FAA to broaden approval for 100R, fostering an industry-wide transition to unleaded fuels and reducing lead emissions from piston engine aircraft.
