Home Aviation New aviation fuel Swift 100R at Mönchengladbach Airport

New aviation fuel Swift 100R at Mönchengladbach Airport

22 October, 2025

First refueling with Swift 100R at Mönchengladbach Airport — From left to right: Clemens Bollinger (Bollinger Aviation), Dr. Thomas Albuzat (Swift Fuel GmbH), Martin Bollinger (Bollinger Aviation), Dennis Viehof (MG Flyers Aviation School GmbH), Hans-Joachim Jakobs (MG Flyers Aviation School GmbH), Paul Ortloff (Mönchengladbach Airport GmbH) (Photo: Mönchengladbach Airport MGL)

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The aviation industry in Europe faces major challenges in becoming more environmentally conscious and sustainable. A decisive step in this direction has now been taken at Mönchengladbach Airport: the first public refueling station for the innovative, unleaded aviation fuel Swift 100R has gone into operation there. This new service marks a significant step forward in general aviation and is intended to help reduce dependence on conventional Avgas 100LL, which still contains lead. The launch was part of an initial trial phase designed to enable international aviation stakeholders to actively test and implement sustainable alternatives. The significance of this development is reflected in the voices of the leaders of Swift Fuel GmbH, Bollinger Aviation, and Mönchengladbach Airport itself, who are jointly pursuing the goal of making aviation more environmentally friendly and future-proof.

Innovative features of Swift 100R

As an unleaded aviation fuel, Swift 100R offers a motor octane rating of MON 100 and thus the same performance as the previously standard Avgas 100LL. It is particularly noteworthy that this fuel can be used in approved aircraft without technical modifications, which significantly simplifies its introduction. Furthermore, the fuel is compatible with existing aviation fuels and can be easily blended. Currently, Swift 100R is primarily approved for the widely used Cessna 172 S and R models with a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This certification mechanism allows the new fuel to be used legally and safely in operation, which is of great importance for flight schools, private pilots, and companies in the general aviation sector. Furthermore, Swift Fuel GmbH plans to expand approvals to include additional aircraft types and engines to increase acceptance and widespread use of the fuel.

The technical development of Swift 100R is a prime example of modern innovations in sustainable aviation fuels, bridging the gap between the requirements of the aviation industry and environmental standards. The avoidance of lead – a highly hazardous heavy metal—represents a significant advance, as Avgas 100LL has been one of the last remaining leaded fuels used in aviation for decades.

Sustainability aspects and future potential

Swift 100R is not only about eliminating lead, but also about a clear focus on renewable components. The “R” designation indicates the proportion of renewable raw materials used in the fuel. The fuel already contains biocomponents from sustainable sources. These can be expanded in the future, significantly contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and paving the way for more climate-friendly aviation. Dr. Thomas Albuzat, Managing Director of Swift Fuel GmbH, emphasizes that this concept not only addresses an environmental challenge but also opens a new chapter in aviation fuel development.

This innovative approach is in line with the entire aviation industry’s long-term goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving Europe’s climate protection targets. The combination of technical efficiency, regulatory approval, and a clear contribution to reducing harmful emissions makes Swift 100R a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels. Furthermore, compatibility with existing aircraft supports the fuel’s rapid market ramp-up.

Strategic importance for Mönchengladbach Airport

With the introduction of Swift 100R, Mönchengladbach Airport is sending a clear signal of its ambitious strategy toward climate-friendly technologies and sustainable development. The cooperation with Bollinger Aviation as European sales partner and Swift Fuel as producer highlights the airport’s role as a center of innovation. Andreas Ungar, Managing Director of the airport, describes the partnership as a practical approach to supporting the transformation process within the aviation industry. These types of projects not only strengthen the airport’s profitability but also position it as a pioneer for resource-efficient solutions in the sector.

The airport’s long-standing focus on CO₂ reduction and alternative propulsion technologies is a cornerstone of its strategic direction. In addition to promoting electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, the availability of modern, sustainable fuels plays an equally important role in Mönchengladbach Airport’s future direction and its attractiveness to operators and flight schools.

Potentials and challenges for general aviation

General aviation faces the challenge of converting its often diverse and heterogeneous fleet of aircraft to more sustainable fuels. The introduction of Swift 100R is a concrete step that is generating momentum in the market. The sustainability of this unleaded fuel meets important environmental requirements, while its compatibility with existing engines facilitates the transition from a technical perspective. This allows flight schools, such as MG Flyers Luftfahrerschule GmbH at Mönchengladbach Airport, to switch to more environmentally friendly fuels without having to make costly technical adjustments.

This transition promotes the preservation of aviation as an important mobility segment and recreational sport, while reducing the industry’s ecological footprint. Nevertheless, it is important to approve additional aircraft types and expand the fuel’s availability nationwide. The ongoing certification processes for various engine types and the commissioning of additional refueling stations would increase acceptance and make its use more attractive for pilots.

Conclusion

The introduction of Swift 100R at Mönchengladbach Airport represents a milestone in the development of sustainable solutions for aviation. Europe’s first public refueling station for this unleaded 100-octane aviation fuel enables general aviation to switch to a fuel-technology-based, environmentally friendly alternative that meets the same quality and performance standards as conventional Avgas 100LL. The combination of legal approval, technical compatibility, and a growing share of renewable feedstocks makes Swift 100R a promising building block for a more climate-friendly aviation industry.

With this initiative, Mönchengladbach Airport is underscoring its position as a pioneer in sustainable aviation technologies. The collaboration between Swift Fuel, Bollinger Aviation, and the airport demonstrates how industry and infrastructure can work closely together to actively drive the transformation process. Aviation can thus contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions without limiting the operational capability of established aircraft. At the same time, this development paves the way for future innovations that will further increase the share of renewable resources and thus support Europe’s climate goals.

These advances clearly demonstrate that sustainable aviation fuels are an essential component of modern aviation and help make air transport more resource-efficient, efficient, and future-proof. The acceptance and expansion of Swift 100R at additional European airports and fleets is therefore likely to have a significant impact on the development of the aviation industry as a whole.