Photo – A Sheltair Aviation line service technician fuels an aircraft with Swift Fuel’s UL94 unleaded avgas at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), marking a key step in the airport’s transition away from leaded aviation fuel.
Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), located in Broomfield, Colorado, is taking a major step toward cleaner aviation fuel, announcing on February 17, 2026, that Swift Fuels’ unleaded UL94 aviation gasoline is now available on the airfield, marking a major milestone in the industry’s push to eliminate leaded fuel.
The fuel, which is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, contains no lead and is compatible with roughly two-thirds of the piston-engine aircraft currently operating at the airport. Airport leaders say the move marks a significant milestone in their broader Unleaded Fuel Transition Plan and aligns with the industry’s national goal of eliminating leaded aviation gasoline by 2030.
Airport Director Erick Dahl called the transition both a leadership decision and a responsibility to the surrounding community.
“For decades, general aviation relied on leaded fuel to safely power piston-engine aircraft,” Dahl said. “Safety remains the top priority, but the industry has long recognized the need for cleaner alternatives. That transition is beginning, and we’re proud to help lead it.”
The effort is supported by a combination of federal funding, grants from the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, and local airport resources, reflecting collaboration at multiple levels.
Jefferson County Commissioner Rachel Zenzinger said the launch of unleaded fuel demonstrates how policy and partnership can produce tangible results. Zenzinger previously co-sponsored Colorado House Bill 24-1235, legislation aimed at reducing aviation impacts on nearby communities.
“Reducing lead exposure matters for public health,” Zenzinger said. “This shows what proactive leadership can look like.”
Sheltair Aviation is the fixed-base operator offering Swift UL94 at BJC. While the airport does not directly sell or procure fuel, Sheltair will oversee fuel purchasing, storage, and delivery.
Greg Garghill, Sheltair’s general manager at the airport, said the company is proud to support what he described as a cleaner aviation future while maintaining the safety and reliability pilots expect.
To encourage adoption, the airport’s transition plan includes a temporary fuel price subsidy funded by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics. The subsidy is designed to offset any price difference between leaded and unleaded fuel, up to $2.00 per gallon, allowing pilots to pay nearly the same price as 100LL aviation fuel.
Abel Montoya, Jefferson County’s director of development and transportation, said the approach is intended to support widespread use without disrupting flight operations or increasing costs for aircraft owners.
Local flight schools also voiced support for the change. Danny Smith of WAFA Flight School said access to unleaded fuel sends a clear signal to student pilots that aviation is evolving responsibly. Terry DiManna of McAir Aviation added that the phased approach preserves fleet functionality while preparing for a fully unleaded future.
Airport officials say the introduction of UL94 is part of a broader, staged transition that will eventually support expanded production and availability of higher octane 100UL fuel, paving the way for a completely unleaded general aviation future.
In May of 2023, Centennial Airport (APA) became the first airport in Colorado to offer Swift Fuels’ UL94. Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is now the second airport in Colorado to move forward with unleaded fuel infrastructure as the aviation industry works toward its 2030 goal to eliminate leaded aviation fuel.
For more information about Colorado’s transition to unleaded aviation fuels, visit the Division of Aeronautics website at Colorado-Aeronautics.org. Here, you can explore the latest airport fuel transition plans, along with other important updates and resources related to unleaded aviation fuel.
