Naples Airport Earns State Recognition for Green Programs and Alternative Fuel Push

Naples Airport continues to lead Florida with regard to sustainability and innovative aviation practices, earning multiple awards in 2025 for its dedication to the long-term advancement of Environmental Stewardship. The Florida Airports Council has recognized Naples Airport with the 2025 Environmental Award for Benjamin J. Siwinski, recognizing the long history of strategic investments in reducing environmental impact and, at the same time, providing safe and efficient airport operations.

The Naples Airport Authority and Naples Aviation were also named Recycling Champions for 2025 by the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation. The designation recognizes organizations across Florida that implement innovative, measurable, and impactful sustainability programs that advance recycling, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship.

“Many organizations are reaffirming their commitment to the environment, but our Board of Commissioners has prioritized sustainability for many years as part of a longstanding, deliberate strategy to lead by example, empower tenants and drive meaningful environmental change,” said Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority. “Being named a Florida Recycling Champion is quite an honor. We aren't prioritizing our sustainability initiatives to win awards, though; it's just the right thing to do for our community and for our environment.”

One initiative praised by the Foundation is a comprehensive Fleet Electrification Initiative. Fossil fuel-powered ground support and fleet equipment, such as Lektro aircraft tugs, electric ground power units, electric golf carts, and electric maintenance vehicles, have been replaced by electrified versions, resulting in reduced usage of fuel, noise, and carbon emissions.

Two additional initiatives were highlighted through the Transformative Fuel Initiative. Naples Aviation offers UL 94 unleaded aviation gasoline and Sustainable Aviation Fuels, becoming the first East Coast fixed-base operator to offer SAF regularly. A $250 rebate is provided to tenants who use the UL 94 test with a Supplement Type Certificate, and over one-fifth of all fuel sales today are considered alternative fuels.

Naples Airport provides an important service to the community of Naples and Collier County by supporting public services, assisting in preparing for disasters, and providing support during disaster recovery efforts. The airport generates an estimated $781 million in annual economic impact without relying on local tax dollars. Together, these programs lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, strengthen airport resilience, and help establish a statewide benchmark for sustainable aviation.

Naples marks the second Collier County organization honored by the Foundation in two years, following recognition of Collier County Solid Waste in 2024. Other 2025 Recycling Champion awardees include The Florida Bar, Novolex, Orange County Public Schools, and the St. Lucie County Solid Waste Division.