The Boulder Municipal Airport (BDU) now officially offers unleaded aviation fuel. The City of Boulder invites members of the public to a celebratory event on Friday, July 10, at 9 a.m. in the Boulder Municipal Airport Terminal, located at 3327 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301. Parking is free. The event will include brief remarks from city staff, light refreshments, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a first fueling of the new fuel, called UL94.

Through state grant funding, the city is providing incentives for airport operators to transition away from leaded aviation fuels. Reducing the use of lead in fuel helps to reduce airborne lead emissions and in the fuel handling and transportation process, reducing the risks of lead in the environment. The city will subsidize the cost of unleaded fuel with funding from this specific grant source. The city will additionally provide rent credits to incentivize airport tenants to pay to certify their aircraft for fuel compatibility, a federal requirement for aircraft using UL94.

"For many years, it has been our goal to make aviation in Boulder more environmentally sustainable. Providing unleaded fuel gives UL94-certified aircraft a dependable option while making a big step forward with the core values of the airport, city and community," said Boulder Airport Manager Eric Vences. "Several operators have already committed to the switch."

"We're thrilled to see the Boulder airport now offering unleaded avgas," said Colorado Division of Aeronautics Director David Ulane. "Along with Centennial Airport and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Boulder is leading the way with the transition to unleaded aviation fuels in Colorado, and our Aeronautical Board and Division are excited to provide funding support to facilitate the city's efforts."

Most aircraft based in Boulder tend to be smaller aircraft with piston engines. The city estimates up to 70% of Boulder-based aircraft can use UL94. More options will soon be available as technology improves, reducing emissions and environmental impacts while supporting safety for aircraft operators.

"Within the next year, we anticipate bringing Swift's 100R unleaded avgas to Boulder, a fuel that is expected to be approved for all 100% of the piston-powered fleet of aircraft," added Vences.

As part of a citywide community conversation in 2023, Boulder community members shared their desire for near-term airport action items, including transitioning to unleaded aviation fuel. Now that UL94 has arrived at BDU, future work will aspire to increase the use of unleaded fuel over leaded fuel, develop permanent infrastructure, and support a full nationwide phase-out of leaded fuel as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Like many airports, fuel in Boulder is delivered by the Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The airport's FBO, Journeys Aviation, has partnered with Swift Fuels to provide and store the new unleaded fuel. Operators can get aircraft certified via the Swift Fuels website.

Funding for incentives primarily comes from a $63,000 grant awarded by the Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant Program (CDAG), and a local match of $7000 through the airport fund. The discretionary grant does not require city airport obligations for an extended time into the future.

Boulder Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport, providing business, private and recreational aviation services to the city and surrounding communities. Learn more on the airport webpage.