BAA Training and Air BP have signed an agreement that the fuel company will supply unleaded aviation fuel for BAA Training’s aircraft in Lleida-Alguaire and at other Spanish airports where it delivers its training activities. With this agreement, BAA Training is one of the first aviation schools in Southern Europe to use unleaded Avgas.
The deal includes the bulk supply of UL91 – an approved colourless, unleaded aviation fuel with a fixed volatility range. It is designed to work year-round without seasonal variations. It contains no ethanol, which is known to damage fuel system components, and has an assured energy content – there are no alcohols or ethers which could reduce aircraft range.
With no need for a lead additive, the benefits include longer maintenance intervals and reduced spark plug deposits, allowing for generally more time between maintenance. Specification and cleanliness requirements for UL91 are overseen by the aviation industry, including aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
As one of the aviation training providers in Europe, BAA Training has been working with airlines such as Wizz Air, Avion Express and SmartLynx, building cadet training programmes since 2016. In 2019 the company became a partner of Turkish Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines. In 2018, BAA Training added Lleida-Alguaire airport as its flight base seeking to ensure year-round flight training. The school recently announced the addition of a second flight base in Spain – Castellón Airport.
“During the peak times we will fly more than 2,000 hours per month at our flight base in Lleida and with the growing number of students it is not only important to ensure a better performance and reduced maintenance of the aircraft, but simultaneously reduce lead emission impacting the environment”
Egle Vaitkeviciute, BAA Training CEO
“UL91 is recommended by plane and engine manufacturers for its performance as well as its reputation for maintaining cleaner engines, as it has no lead in it. This can result in lower particulate emissions, and better engine performance while maintaining aircraft range due to the absence of ethanol. We anticipate that both airlines and their trainee pilots will respond enthusiastically to its availability.”
Valerio Ferro, Spain and Portugal General Director, Air BP
Photo Credit: BAA Training
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