b'44 TRK FUELING Truckee Tahoe Airport Goes All-inon Sustainable Aviation Fuel BY MIKE SCHWANZTruckee Tahoe Airport (TRK) into 30% more than Jet California recently made a boldA, and some small jet environmental move by changingoperators balked at the from standard Jet A to sustainable aviationhigher price. Aviation fuel (SAF). The general aviation airport startedDirector Jeff Menasco offering SAF several years ago, with a goal ofreports that a few of gradually increasing the percentage sold toTRKs 227 hangar 100% by the end of 2023. However, airporttenants expressedJEFF MENASCOofficials decided to accelerate the processconcern about the and completed the transition by Juneissue. We are working closely with our instead.locally based jet tenants, already paying The decisive moveother local rents and taxes, to address their was warmly endorsedconcerns, he says. by the airportsIn early September, TRKs more 25-member boardenvironmentally friendly fuel cost $9.67 per of directors and thegallon. Regular Jet A has averaged about community at large.25% less so far this fall, notes Menasco.One of the major goals FACTS&FIGURESstated in our missionEtnyre emphasizes that the cost of ROBB ETNYRE TRKs fuel is comparable with SAF offered Project: Full Transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel statement is to reduceat other airports in the region. We are not Location: Truckee Tahoe Airport (CA) impact on our neighbors and environment,price-gouging, but we are not a bargain-Annual Operations: 35,000 says TRK General Manager Robb Etnyre.basement transactional operation, either, Most of our neighbors, as well as businesshe states. We will be competitive to other Fuel Manufacturer: Neste leaders, here on the north shore of Lake Fuel Supplier: Avfuel airports in our area that sell SAF, while also Tahoe are very environmentally conscious.taking into account operating costs in our Truck Delivery: All State Tank Lines This beautiful Sierra Nevada range is wheremountainous environment. Estimated Carbon Reduction: 23% they live and work, so they generally support our conservation efforts.As is the case with auto gasoline, the Additional Cost: 20%-30% price for SAF varies, depending on multiple Key Benefits: Reduces carbon footprint across theNot all customers were on board,factors.fuels lifecycle; creates goodwill with environmentallythough. In general, SAF costs about 20% conscious local communityNovember | December 2023AirportImprovement.com'