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Sustainability Initiatives

Take Flight at Naples Airport

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority

ver the summer, Naples There is, of course, a cost to “going green.”
Airport was recognized Thankfully, Naples Airport Authority’s Board of
Oby the Florida Airports Commissioners share a passion for protecting the
Council (FAC) with its 2025 environment through sustainability. The board
Benjamin J. Siwinski Sustainability Award. approved a $282,500 subsidy to offset the cost difference between
This prestigious honor is just the latest UL 94 and traditional 100LL to encourage airport users to
award recognizing Naples Airport's ongoing transition to the new fuel source. Commissioners also authorized
commitment to the environment, which approximately $1 million for an initial investment in electric
includes programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve vehicles. Because Naples Airport operates without local tax
local air quality, increase operational resiliency and promote dollars, sustainability initiatives are primarily funded through fuel
sustainable aviation practices across the general aviation sector. sales, hangar rentals and other related services.
The FAC’s Sustainability Award celebrates those who The Transformative Fuel Initiative has seen an immediate
are leading the way in environmental innovation, whether return on investment. Initial fuel sales data show Naples Airport
it's an individual, an airport or a business. Naples Airport replaced more than 20% of AvGas and Jet-A fuel sales with SAF
was recognized for its transformative efforts in fuel and fleet and UL 94. This program ensures price parity for users and has
electrification. It’s a big moment for Naples Airport, which proven highly successful.
continues to build on its environmental legacy. Just three years Naples Airport partners with Avfuel to supply SAF fuel to
ago, the airport was recognized with the J. Bryan Cooper environmentally conscious tenants and users.
Environmental Award for its wildlife management program, “This is a huge step forward in scaling SAF distribution and
which included water retention strategies and efforts to reduce adoption within the business aviation sector,” Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s
wildlife conflicts. senior vice president of sales when announcing Naples Airport’s
Naples Airport has been phasing in “green” initiatives first delivery of SAF. “Avfuel is dedicated to making SAF more
for years. Programs go well beyond recycling and switching accessible throughout the United States, and deliveries like this
to LED bulbs, though. The airport has spearheaded seismic one help further our commitment to supporting the business
shifts in aviation, such as encouraging operators to consider aviation industry in growing the use of SAF.”
converting to alternative fuel sources to promote cleaner, more Additionally, an environmental initiative being enjoyed by
efficient aviation practices. all is the Gordon River Greenway, a pristine 140-acre ecological
The Florida Airports Council was especially impressed with corridor completed in 2018 that runs across a portion of airport
two elements of Naples Airport’s push toward sustainability: property. Naples Airport Authority built perimeter sidewalks
Transformative Fuel Initiative: In December 2024, Naples to connect the Greenway while removing substantial amounts
Aviation became the first Fixed-Based Operator (FBO) in the of invasive, exotic vegetation and rebuilding a pond near North
Eastern U.S. to offer a regular supply of Sustainable Aviation Road.
Fuels (SAF), a low-carbon fuel from non-petroleum sources Naples Airport shows that a facility serving private
that helps to reduce greenhouse emissions. In June 2023, it aviation and public services can also be a strong steward for
began offering Unleaded Aviation Gasoline (UL 94), which is a the environment and community. With thoughtful incentives,
clean-burning alternative to Aviation Gasoline (AvGas). Naples clear messaging and bold action, it advances practical, scalable
Airport also began issuing a $250 credit to incentivize tenants sustainability, setting a new standard for general aviation.
who obtain a Supplement Type Certificate to use Unleaded Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
Aviation Gasoline. Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq
Fleet Electrification: Naples Airport began transitioning For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s
its ground fleet from gas and diesel to electric vehicles. The next meeting, call (239) 643-0733
initiative included the purchase of Ford Mach-E trucks, Ford For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website
F-150 Lightning trucks and electric golf carts for maintenance at www.flynaples.com
and operations teams, as well as Lektro electric aircraft tugs and Want to learn more about the NAA?
electric ground power units (eGPUs). Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite
a member of our team to speak with your group.

20 www.LifeInNaples.net