Protecting Paradise

From the moderate winter temperatures to the relaxing Gulf breezes to the plethora of sporting and recreational activities, it’s no wonder Naples has earned its title as Florida’s “Paradise Coast.”

But as we all know, paradise is a fragile thing. That’s why, since its inception, the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) has been committed to taking whatever steps it can to ensure the airport safely handles the 122,000-plus movements it sees annually while actively protecting and enhancing the area’s sensitive natural environments.

“Naples attracts people because of its quality of life and breathtaking natural beauty,” says Christopher Rozansky, Naples Airport Authority’s Executive Director. “We aim to take every step we can to protect and enhance both environments.”

In fact, the NAA is a recent recipient of the Florida Airports Council (FAC) J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award for its Comprehensive Wildlife Management Program, which included stormwater drainage system enhancements that improve water quality exiting the airport grounds and removing invasive slash pine trees near the approach end of runway 05. That effort not only enhanced aircraft operational safety but also eliminated popular nesting locations for bald eagles.

Flying into a sustainable future.

The NAA took another significant step forward in mitigating GA’s environmental impact by becoming one of the first public airports in Florida to offer UL94, unleaded avgas, at its FBO.

“We are striving to be at the forefront of making aviation more sustainable while ensuring the safe operation of all aircraft that use Naples Airport,” Rozansky states. “Offering the option of UL94 is a significant step in that direction.”

He also explained that the NAA, under the direction of its Board of Commissioners, is offering subsidies to its tenants that will cut the cost of UL94, selling at, or below, the price of 100LL. In addition, the NAA is offering tenant aircraft a one-time $250 credit to offset the required FAA certification.

“I am so excited about the Naples Airport Authority’s commitment to GA and the environment by offering UL94 as an option,” states aircraft owner and Naples resident Linda Sollars. “I am exceptionally grateful for the ability to purchase unleaded fuel here in Naples.”

In addition to the introduction of UL94, the NAA is upping its sustainability game by phasing in a zero-emissions fleet to replace its fuel-powered ground support equipment and field vehicles.

Whether through encouraging the use of lead-free fuels, its voluntary “Quite Hours Curfew,” or a long list of ecological and environmental enhancements, the Naples Airport Authority is committed to protecting the local environment while ensuring the safe operation of every aircraft that uses the airport.

“As aviation continues to progress into new and exciting directions, including preparation for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and the eventual introduction of electric aircraft,” Rozansky continues, “the Naples Airport Authority aims to be an industry leader in environmentally sustainable and responsible technologies and programs.”