What are the most important considerations when planning airport fueling facilities?

2 Fuel quality and safety

The second step in planning airport fueling facilities is to ensure the fuel quality and safety throughout the fueling process, from delivery to storage to distribution to aircraft. This involves following the industry standards and best practices for fuel handling, testing, filtering, monitoring, and maintenance. The fuel quality and safety also depend on the proper design and installation of the fueling system components, such as valves, meters, sensors, gauges, and fire protection devices.

3 Fuel efficiency and sustainability

The third step in planning airport fueling facilities is to optimize fuel efficiency and sustainability, by reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and waste. This can be achieved by using renewable or alternative fuels, such as biofuels or hydrogen, where feasible and compatible with aircraft engines and fueling systems. Additionally, energy-efficient technologies and equipment, such as solar panels, LED lights, or electric vehicles, should be adopted for fueling operations and infrastructure. Minimizing fuel losses and spills is also important; this can be done by using leak detection and prevention systems, spill containment and recovery systems, and proper disposal methods. Finally, digital tools like software, apps, or sensors can be used to enhance fuel management and coordination by monitoring and controlling the fuel inventory, supply, and demand.

4 Regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement

The fourth step in planning airport fueling facilities is to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements and standards, as well as to engage with the various stakeholders involved. These include local, state, and federal authorities, who may have jurisdiction over environmental, health, safety, security, and quality aspects; airport operators and managers who may have policies and procedures; airlines and aircraft operators who may have specific preferences and expectations; fuel suppliers and distributors who may have agreements and obligations; and fueling personnel and contractors who may have training, certification, and performance standards. All of these stakeholders are essential to ensuring the success of airport fueling operations.

5 Cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment

The fifth step in planning airport fueling facilities is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and a risk assessment of the proposed airport fueling project, to evaluate its feasibility, viability, and impact. The cost-benefit analysis should compare the expected costs and benefits of the airport fueling project, such as the capital, operating, and maintenance costs, and the revenue, savings, and environmental benefits. The risk assessment should identify and mitigate the potential risks and uncertainties of the airport fueling project, such as the technical, operational, financial, and regulatory risks.

6 Project management and implementation

The sixth and final step in planning airport fueling facilities is to manage and implement the project according to the approved plan, budget, schedule, and quality standards. This includes procuring resources, materials, equipment, and personnel; constructing and installing the facilities and infrastructure; testing and commissioning them; and operating and maintaining them. All of these activities must be done according to the design specifications and safety regulations to guarantee functionality, performance, reliability, and efficiency.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?