Airplanes in Europe will continue to fly on leaded fuel for a while yet. The date has been set.

• Avgas 100LL is used to power aircraft piston engines. The "100LL" designation indicates that it is a 100 octane aviation gasoline with a low lead content (Low Lead).
• Industry representatives argue that the sale and use of aviation fuel containing less than 0.1 percent tetraethyl lead does not require any additional permits.
• The continued use of fuels containing tetraethyl lead in Europe is permitted until at least 2032.

- The sale and use of aviation fuel that contains less than 0.1 percent tetraethyl lead does not require any additional permits, says Konrad Bieńkowski, member of the management board of Warter Fuels.

Two voices in the discussion about gasoline containing tetraethyl lead

The issue of fuels containing tetraethyl lead has long been one of the most frequently discussed issues in general aviation.

Two approaches dominated this discussion. The first, both environmentally friendly and health-oriented, focused on pointing out that the price of improving fuel octane ratings and fuel efficiency was significant environmental and health risks .

The second approach, the societal one, held that the identified threats were indeed significant, but that the tens of thousands of jobs in European countries and tax issues should be prioritized . Recall that, according to EASA estimates, this market is worth €9 billion annually.

"Aside from this discussion, there remains the issue of approximately 30% of aircraft whose engines are not designed to burn other fuels. Some might say that this is the problem of their owners, but that's not true, because these aircraft are rescue, medical, firefighting, and belong to border surveillance and exclusive economic zone security services," notes Konrad Bieńkowski.

A legal and certified option for many types of aircraft.

At the beginning of May 2025, airports in two Belgian cities: Ostend (EBOS) and Antwerp (EBAW), introduced a ban on the sale, refueling and use of Avgas 100LL gasoline in general aviation aircraft .

The Luxembourg Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which is part of the largest pilots association in the world with over 430,000 members in over 66 countries, strongly protested against this decision.

In its statement, AOPA Luxembourg reiterated that aircraft using Avgas 100LL are certified, safe, and legal. While information about alternative fuels has been emerging for years, Avgas 100LL remains the only legal and certified option for many aircraft types.

In addition, under current regulations , the continued use of fuels containing tetraethyl lead in Europe is permitted until at least 2032 , providing the timeframe necessary for a responsible, safe and coordinated transition.

"In my opinion, both of the airports mentioned, and probably several others we've heard about, have incorrectly assumed that the date of May 1, 2025, which appeared in the ECHA/REACH documents, marks the end of production using TEL in Europe and is also the date when the marketing of 100LL fuel will cease. But this is a complete misunderstanding," argues Konrad Bieńkowski.

There are no production restrictions due to acquired rights

He also notes that, in accordance with the decision of the European Chemicals Agency, from 1 May 2025, the use of TEL in the production of Avgas and products in which its content is higher than 0.1% is only possible on the basis of exceptional permits.

Warter Fuels is among the companies that have received a positive opinion from ECHA and a recommendation until 2032.

These companies are still waiting for the European Commission to sign the permit, which does not limit production possibilities due to the rights acquired due to the timely submission of the application.

It is estimated that by then, Europe will have successfully converted to alternative unleaded aviation fuels. Safe conversion involves not only issuing STC certificates but also ensuring production, logistics, and distribution standards throughout the supply chain.

Additionally, TEL - or tetraethyl lead - is the only anti-knock additive specified in the standards for Avgas 100LL aviation gasoline, which ensures a high octane number (100) and safe engine operation.

The transition from leaded to unleaded fuel must be smooth

Even if we were to strictly implement the regulations related to TEL content, it is worth remembering that Avgas 100LL fuel, produced by a Polish company from Płock, contains less than 0.1% tetraethyl lead.

This means that the distribution and use of Avgas 100LL does not require a permit, and its recipients and users are not obliged to obtain additional permits.

- Moving away from lead additives is a fact that is difficult to argue with, but it is worth doing so based on principles that are supported by facts and scientific research, technology tests and implementations, and this takes time - notes Konrad Bieńkowski.

Newer aircraft whose engines are designed to burn unleaded gasoline can use, among others, UL 91 or AKI93 ethanol-free unleaded gasoline, which is designed specifically for use in the most popular aircraft engines.

The transition from leaded to unleaded fuel must be seamless, as any disruption to the fuel supply would have catastrophic consequences. While unleaded fuels are being developed, tested, and certified for use, alternative fuels are still in the trial and testing phase, notes Konrad Bieńkowski.

He recalls that all tested fuels have now been withdrawn by producers from the American certification program, which was supposed to result in the creation of the ASTM standard.

"The reason for this decision was problems arising at various stages of certification. Of course, there's still the option of individual STC certification, which some companies have pursued, but this requires a separate, individual procedure for each aircraft model and its engine. However, it's important to remember that this certification isn't conducted in cooperation with the engine manufacturers," explains Konrad Bieńkowski.

Political theater at the expense of general aviation

An important issue for fuel producers would be the introduction of an appropriate ASTM standard, which would precisely indicate that a given fuel has been tested and that a product meeting such a standard is safe.

"This is the only way to provide gasoline producers with legal protection in disputes. What manufacturer would undertake the production of a new fuel if, in the event of an accident, they would have to prove that the product was manufactured in accordance with best practice, and there is no standard for this product, only guidelines from the inventor of this technology?" asks Konrad Bieńkowski.

In a position paper dated May 4 this year, AOPA Luxembourg advocates for legal access, technical facts and a fair transition, not political theater at the expense of general aviation.

Warter Fuels produces its fuels at a plant in Płock. Approximately 70% of its production is exported, primarily to European countries.