Juneau GA pilots say master plan ignores fuel monopoly, push for self-serve AvGas

More than 50 general aviation pilots at Juneau International Airport have formally disputed the Draft Airport Master Plan's conclusion that no fueling deficiencies exist, arguing that a single-provider fuel arrangement drives up costs and poses safety concerns. The Juneau International Airport Board takes up the letter at its July 9 meeting at 6 p.m. No board action is requested on the item. Staff plan to attach the letter to JNU's final comment package so it reaches the master plan consultant.

Nolan Davis, the Airport Tenant Liaison, submitted the letter on May 14 to airport staff and the board. The draft master plan, under sections 4.3.7 and 4.5.3, states that "no unmet demand reported" exists for aircraft fueling and that "there are no known needs or deficiencies regarding fueling facilities." Davis and the pilots who signed the letter disagree directly. "Currently, AvGas is available from a single provider, Aero Services, which limits pricing competition and user flexibility," Davis wrote. "Fuel prices reported by local users are marked up by approximately 33%."

The group is asking the master plan to study a self-serve AvGas fuel farm, pointing to comparable Alaska airports that operate such systems. Davis said he spoke with the CEO of Petro Marine, who told him the concept is feasible with appropriate permitting. The pilots are not requesting immediate funding, only that the master plan include the option and identify a suitable location.

The letter also requests two general aviation pilot lounges, one on each side of the airfield, because crossing Charlie taxiway is restricted. It also calls for restoration of the wash basin, paving and grading fixes tied to reported hangar flooding and wood rot, a gravel strip for bush-plane operations, and an investigation into float pond corrosion that pilots believe may be linked to new electrical infrastructure near the runway.

The board will also vote on a separate action item: approving $50,697 in local forward-funding from the Airport Capital Reserve to meet the required match for a $963,247 FAA Airport Terminal Program grant. The grant would replace the Air Traffic Control Tower roof, hatch, and access ladder, all of which date to the original 1987 tower construction. The total estimated project cost is $1,013,944, with construction anticipated in 2027.

Although the formal public comment period on the master plan has closed, the Master Plan Update remains under review and JNU's final staff comments are still outstanding. Staff intend to include the Tenant Liaison letter with JNU's final comment package so the feedback is preserved in the project record and available for the master plan team. The board's next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13.