2025 Convention Features EAGLE Presentation and Avgas Transition Forum

As a part of the 2025 Alaska Air Carriers Association Convention, representatives from the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative hosted a presentation and Q&A session. This gave operators the chance to express concerns over implementing new, unleaded fuels into their fleets.

The Alaska Unleaded Avgas Transition Forum was held on February 27 at the Lakefront Anchorage Hotel. It featured two invite-only portions: a presentation from EAGLE leadership and a formal Q&A session. The event aimed to update Alaskan operators and set expectations for the transition to unleaded fuel.

The forum garnered considerable attention from convention attendees due to Alaska’s high dependence on piston-powered aircraft. Alaskan pilots utilize short, often unpaved runways that require versatile aircraft like the Super Cub or DC-3 instead of larger turbine planes that are standard for most US carriers.

“Without a dependable source of avgas, many Alaskans would lose their only access to numerous critical services, including medical care, groceries, and mail,” explained Will Day, executive director of the Alaska Air Carriers Association.

Alaskan carriers' reliance on piston engines means that they are uniquely impacted by the industry’s plan to move out 100 low-lead in favor of a more sustainable fuel source. While they support aviation’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, operators have been very clear that a proven solution will need to come forward before any sort of transition can begin.

“Alaskan aircraft operators view the EAGLE initiative as a proactive, problem-solving effort aimed at finding a safe, reliable, and cost-effective replacement for 100 low-lead before it becomes unavailable,” Day continued.

A typical Alaskan operation looks very different from one in the continental US, and testing standards must reflect that. Day noted that “In many remote locations, aviation fuel is often stored for up to a year in temperatures ranging from minus 50 to above 100 degrees. It must be very stable.”

FMI: www.alaskaaircarriers.org