On 26 June 2025<\/strong> has the so-called REACH Committee of the European Commission<\/strong> the request of Shell<\/strong> on further production and utilisation of Avgas 100LL approved<\/strong>. The result: 26 votes in favour, one abstention, none against<\/strong>. The Shell application is thus politically and legally secured. The decision was taken within the framework of the EU Regulation REACH<\/strong> (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) - a set of instruments for the evaluation and regulation of chemicals in the European Union, which was adopted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)<\/strong> in Helsinki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The authorisation allows Shell to sell Avgas 100LL with TEL continue to produce and distribute until April 2032<\/strong>unless the EU adopts other environmental regulations by then or suitable lead-free alternatives are widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This decision is important for the general aviation in Europe of great importance<\/strong>. Many piston aircraft engines - especially high-performance models such as the Lycoming IO-540 or Continental TSIO-520 - require a fuel mixture with high knock resistance, which can only be achieved with the lead additive TEL. Without a secure 100LL supply, many operators of expensive aircraft would either have had to convert or cease flight operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the new regulation, there is now planning security: In addition to Shell, the other two major suppliers in Europe - WARTER Fuels<\/strong> (Poland) and TRAFIGURA \/ Puma Energy<\/strong> - applications for authorisation for the production of TEL-containing avgas. These were presented to the REACH Committee on the same day as the Shell application, but are still in the Coordination process<\/strong>. However, due to the similarity in content of the applications not expected<\/strong>that they are rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The agreement is the result of many years of well-coordinated efforts. Lobbying and awareness-raising work by several European aviation associations<\/strong>. The leading players included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These organisations have jointly prepared dossiers, statements and scientific assessments and contributed them to the political decision-making process. Their aim: to develop a realistic Transition period for the replacement of leaded aviation petrol<\/strong> without jeopardising the operational safety of existing aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was particularly emphasised:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the United States General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI)<\/strong> has been working for years on a lead-free alternative called G100UL (Unleaded 100 Octane Aviation Fuel)<\/strong>. The FAA has already certified the fuel, but the rollout is slow. Currently the Availability limited to a few airports<\/strong>In addition, a broad approval by engine manufacturers such as Lycoming and Continental is still missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The European aviation industry is watching this development closely. An imminent breakthrough in the US-wide introduction could also accelerate the authorisation and spread of lead-free alternatives in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The current decision is A postponement, not a licence<\/strong>. The political and regulatory framework conditions are clearly signalling that the future of aviation fuel lead-free<\/strong> will be. European aviation now has a realistic timeframe for achieving this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The REACH authorisation for Shell's Avgas 100LL until 2032<\/strong> provides much-needed clarity and certainty for operators of aircraft with powerful piston engines. It enables a controlled, not hasty transition<\/strong> to lead-free fuels - with a sense of proportion and in coordination with developments in the USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, the decision shows that Committed, objective association work<\/strong> can also be effective in a highly complex EU regulatory system. The coming years should now be used intensively to realise the lead-free future of general aviation in technological and practical terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat does this mean for aircraft owners and pilots?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 No supply insecurity until at least 2032<\/strong>
\u2705 No need for short-term technical modifications<\/strong>
\u2705 No widespread grounding due to fuel shortage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat about the other manufacturers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow did this decision come about?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat is happening in the USA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat does this mean in the long term?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nConclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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