In a step toward creating a healthier future for everyone, the City of San Diego announced today its Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is now offering aircraft owners the opportunity to fuel up with unleaded gasoline. The move underscores the City’s commitment to sustainability, the safety of residents and the advancement of general aviation.  

“All San Diegans deserve to live in clean, safe, and healthy neighborhoods, and that starts with the air we breathe,” said Councilmember Raul Campillo, who represents District 7. “I’m proud to have partnered with grassroots community organizations like the Montgomery-Gibbs Environmental Coalition to deliver this long-awaited quality of life and public health improvement for the entire neighborhood.”  

Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the third busiest general aviation airport in the nation, and as a leader in climate action, the City recognizes the need for more environmentally friendly fuel options. Leaded aviation fuel raises concerns for community members and pilots due to the potential harms of lead exposure. Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is the first public airport in San Diego County to offer unleaded aviation fuel to aircraft owners. 

This introduction also aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) ongoing efforts to promote the use of unleaded fuels in general aviation by 2030.  

“The Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport plays a vital role in our local economy, serving thousands of pilots and passengers a year,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “Supplying various fuel options will help continue stimulating economic activity, and the use of unleaded fuel will provide a safer environment for all.” 

This unleaded aviation fuel, referred to as UL94, is a high-octane fuel designed for use in various aircraft, particularly those with piston engines. In addition to the environmental benefits, the availability of unleaded aviation fuel can help reduce aircraft owners' maintenance costs. To use the fuel, aircraft owners must obtain a certificate, and their aircraft must be approved for unleaded fuel.  

To bring unleaded fuel to the airport, the City purchased a state-of-the-art towable fuel tank that operates on solar-powered batteries, which reduces the airport’s carbon footprint. This modern fuel tank will support the seamless integration of UL94 into existing fueling operations. 

“By offering UL94, we are taking a significant step toward a greener future for general aviation,” said Jorge Rubio, A.A.E., Economic Development Deputy Director and Chief of Airports. “We are dedicated to providing pilots with safe, high-performance fuel while prioritizing the health of our environment and community.” 

Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport supports about 1,400 local jobs and generates approximately $180 million in economic activity annually. 

For more information about the transition to unleaded aviation fuels, visit the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions initiative website.