High aviation fuel prices plateau, operators prepare for a long summer

?In last month’s analysis, average aviation fuel prices for April approached, and in some cases surpassed, record highs for the past decade. Projections suggested stabilization rather than relief, and that has proven true in May. Owners and operators across the U.S. are preparing for a long summer.100LL AvGasNational average 100LL prices continue to creep upward, settling at an average of $7.27 for May, up $0.31 from April. This remains below the $7.55 peak average recorded for July 2022, though that comparison deserves context: adjusted to an inflation rate of 3.28% per year, that 2022 peak equates to around $8.59 today. General aviation pilots can find small peace in knowing that conditions have been worse.With events like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh around the corner, the question on many operators’ minds is whether current fuel prices will deter expected summer traffic. However, many believe that determined pilots will continue to pay at the pump.Transient pilots attending EAA AirVenture can save money via FBO fuel deals and special offerings on the GlobalAir.com Oshkosh Specials Page.Jet AAt the very least, the national Jet A average appears to be losing some of its upward momentum. The May average finalized at $7.93, up 20 cents from April. Even so, when accounting for inflation, May’s average has exceeded all months on record in 2022. Sustained highs in wholesale fuel rates have put pressure on aviation businesses across the board, and whether a true peak has been reached remains to be seen.
That said, those within the Southwest FAA region are more likely to have seen modest Jet A price decreases over the past 15 days, a development worth watching as the broader nation trends toward plateaus.
Sustainable Aviation FuelSustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) continues to slightly mirror Jet A trends, though at a slightly higher price point. The national SAF average increased just $0.04 in May for a total of $10.29, the smallest month-over-month change of any major fuel type this cycle.
This stability reflects a similar pattern seen in Jet A: a sharp earlier spike followed by a plateau. By FAA region, SAF prices have started to ease across all applicable markets over the past 15 days. Noting SAF’s pre-disruption price teeter-tottering, it remains to be seen if SAF will remain at this heightened level.
The Big PicturePrice plateaus are starting to emerge across many FAA Regions, though several markets still indicate upward trends heading into June. Unless meaningful price relief arrives via falling wholesale rates, any business that deals with aviation fuel will likely be balancing tighter-than-average margins through the summer.Top Performing AirportsAside from general business and flying, May’s air traffic was influenced by events like the Kentucky Derby, NBAA White Plains and the Masters Tournament. Many operators naturally expect to see an ops increase heading into the summer months.GlobalAir.com’s top three most visited airport pages in the past 30 days were:
Winchester Regional Airport (KOKV) in Winchester, VAVan Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Van Nuys, CANewark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) in Newark, NJTop Performing FBOsBelow are the top three FBOs on GlobalAir.com by page view for the month of May. Competition was tight last month, with honorable mentions to Cable Airport @ CCB and Page Aviation @ COT for missing the top three list by only a handful of views.GlobalAir.com’s top three most visited FBO pages in the past 30 days were:Million Air @ HPNGary Jet Center @ GYYCutter Aviation @ PRCCongratulations to our top airports and FBOs, and safe fueling everyone!RELATED STORIES:Spirit Airlines officially shuts down, last flight lands at Dallas AirportAbby’s Ramp Ramble – Fuel Price CrisisGlobalAir.com’s Airport Resource Center and fuel data analyses are based on the prices of over 3,200 Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), reported directly by the FBO to GlobalAir.com. We do not accept fuel price updates from third parties. We hide/exclude FBOs that do not provide a price update or verification at least every 30 days to maintain pilot trust and database accuracy.As a result, GlobalAir.com offers accurate and up-to-date aviation fuel information.
You can review live average fuel prices by FAA region by clicking here. Join us next month for another fuel data analysis and to find out which airports and FBOs have the highest performance on GlobalAir.com’s Airport Resource Center.
Learn more about GlobalAir.com’s aviation fuel data by contacting Abigail Sheets at fbo@globalair.com, or contribute to the discussion by leaving a comment on this article.