Source: The Sunday Times
Anger over aviation fuel cut
From: By Braden Quartermaine
March 12, 2006
WA's aviation industry has been dealt a blow with Air BP withdrawing fuel for piston-powered aircraft from its Leonora site.
The move, effective from March 24, has angered many in the industry, but Air BP says selling Avgas at Leonora is "no longer economically viable".
The company said that instead of removing the site it would switch to providing JetA1 fuel for a trial period of 18 months.
Skippers Aviation, which flies WA inland routes, runs on jet fuel.
Shire of Leonora chief executive Jim Epis said the move was a blow for the town, charter companies and passengers.
He said small planes were often essential in the Outback and the move would hurt mine charter flights and aerial mustering.
Mr Epis said the shire might be forced into the costly exercise of providing Avgas in drums.
"When these small operators come to Leonora they might stay a night and leave accommodation costs, a few beers, meals and things like that – every small bit in a town like Leonora helps," he said.
Mr Epis said that in the past three years the shire had spent more than $500,000 upgrading airport facilities.
"We have to encourage aircraft to use the strip because we've got to generate a few dollars from somewhere to pay for that capital expense," he said.
Perth-based charter operator Paul Lyons, who visits Leonora once a week, said BP's decision was a disgrace.
"It just closes the whole of the Goldfields to all piston-engine aircraft," he said.
"They have a duty of responsibility to the people of the Outback.
"There are about 15 station owners around Leonora who now have to get drum fuel."
Mr Lyons said the economic argument was hard to believe.
"It's not as if there's a massive amount of maintenance for a bowser," he said.
Air BP has told operators that in case of emergency, Avgas will be available in drums through Leonora Shire.
"If you're going to be doing it in case of emergency, you may as well be doing it for everybody," Mr Epis said.