The companies affected are Trafigura Ventures V.B.V. from Estonia, Warter Fuels Spółka Akcyjna from Poland and Shell Nederland Raffinaderij B.V. from the Netherlands. These companies have submitted applications to continue the production of tetraethyl lead in Avgas 100LL until a lead-free alternative is available on the market.
Extended consultation phase and political decision
ECHA had originally scheduled a consultation period to end on 10 January 2024. At the end of this phase, a political decision was to be taken by the European Commission. The original plan was for this decision to be taken in June 2024. However, this timetable could not be adhered to, which has now led to a further delay.
While the decision drags on, the uncertainty about the future of Avgas 100LL remains. According to recent studies, there are still around 16,000 aircraft in Europe that rely on this leaded aviation petrol. These include around 7,700 Lycoming engines, 4,100 Continental engines and around 4,000 other engines of unknown origin. Despite these figures, it is clear that the days of leaded avgas are numbered, as the leaded additive TEL is coming under increasing pressure, particularly in view of environmental concerns.
A difficult transition to lead-free alternatives
The companies concerned are aiming for a transition phase in which Avgas 100LL can continue to be produced until the widespread availability of lead-free alternatives is guaranteed. The decision of the European Commission will be decisive for the further course of this transition. If the applications are not granted, the production of Avgas 100LL in Europe could end from May 2025. Imports from the USA would still be possible, but here too, the focus will be on alternative solutions in the long term.
The status of application processing
Karsten Schröder, Technical and Environmental Officer at the German Aero Club (DAeC), contacted the ECHA directly due to the delayed decision in order to obtain an interim status of the application processing. ECHA's response dated 15 August 2024 refers to the official documents published during the consultation process. These can be viewed on the ECHA website. The applications of the three companies concerned are currently in the opinion-forming phase by ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).
The European Commission will ultimately prepare a decision based on these opinions, which will be discussed and voted on in the REACH Committee. This process, which is documented in the European Commission's comitology register, will continue to be closely monitored.
Outlook: May 2025 as the decisive date
The crucial date of May 2025 is approaching inexorably. If a positive decision in favour of continuing TEL production is not made by then, this could mean the end of 100LL leaded avgas in Europe. The pressure on the industry to find faster solutions for unleaded aviation petrol is growing continuously.
Overall, this situation highlights the challenges facing general aviation in Europe, particularly in terms of reconciling environmental protection with the needs of a specialised industry. The coming months will be crucial for the future of general aviation in Europe and how a smooth transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives can be organised.
It remains to be seen what the European Commission will ultimately decide and what impact this will have on general aviation in Europe. What is clear, however, is that the industry is facing an important decision, the outcome of which could have far-reaching consequences.
Source references:
DAEC