Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/715089
5 Connections Summer 2016 Our aviation fuels services are setting the standard in Alaska." Crowley Fuels Aviation The commercial and general aviation sectors count on Crowley's dependable service as the company supplies jet fuel and Avgas to airports, operators, airlines and general aviation users in many communities. The turbine aircraft market uses jet fuel, and Crowley distributes over 12 million gallons a year to keep the planes flying at peak performance. For smaller aircraft, such as Cessna planes in general aviation, and larger vintage aircraft, Crowley provides Avgas to fuel the piston engines. Crowley provides customers with a range of airport delivery options, from fueling into the aircraft directly ("into wing"), to pumping into a tank in the cargo compartment ("into belly") or to a storage tank at the customer's airport location, allowing customers to choose the level of service that best meets their needs. With a growing Crowley network of seven card lock locations, pilots can avoid delays and receive fuel along their flight plan. In 2014, the company opened McGrath Airport's first aviation card lock station, offering pilots 24-hour refueling service at the busy airfield. The card lock system operates much like the self-serve gasoline stations people use to fuel automobiles, and allows aviators to refuel on their own schedule. In addition to its card lock network, Crowley provides into-wing services at eight airports around the state and delivers to many on- and off-airport tanks, meeting the need for aviation fuels statewide whether routine, seasonal or temporary. With such a complete aviation offering, Crowley is able to customize services to fit the diverse needs of customers. About three years ago, Palmer-based Alaska Air Fuel, which uses DC-4s to transport fuel around the state, started buying wholesale fuels, including jet fuel, Avgas and heating oil, from Crowley to sell to its Story continued on page 6 in-state customers. Crowley Fuels fulfills Alaska Air Fuel's needs with a mix of service levels and location offerings. "Crowley is very instrumental in having a process run smoothly. Otherwise, we would be patching together suppliers. It puts everything in one framework," said John Sliwinski, vice president of Alaska Air Fuel. "Crowley meets all our needs." Crowley Fuels Tourism Tourism is a critical element to Alaska's economy, and Crowley plays an important part in ensuring that visitors experience the natural beauty there. In 2015, the state estimated tourism delivered a nearly $4.2 billion impact from more than 2 million tourists. To get around the state and its vast wilderness, visitors rely heavily on air transportation. K2 Aviation operates a busy flight hub at the Talkeetna airport. Crowley delivers jet fuel for the company's turbine Otters, and Avgas to fuel its piston aircraft. K2 Aviation is well respected in the industry for its air taxi and "flightseeing" operations. From the Talkeetna airport, the company carries visitors to landings on glaciers and sight-seeing tours to Mt. Denali along with a variety of other picturesque routes at altitudes reaching up to 20,000 feet. Crowley is very instrumental in having a process run smoothly. Otherwise, we would be patching together suppliers. It puts everything in one framework." Below: K2 Aviation out of Talkeetna depends on Crowley to provide fuel for tourism trips to Mt. Denali and glacier landings.