We are excited to highlight the success of Inlet Petroleum Company, the largest distributor of Phillips 66 Aviation Lubricants in the country.  Inlet Petroleum, based in Anchorage, Alaska, quickly realized the opportunity presented by the vast Alaskan aviation market and developed the practices necessary to capitalize on seasonal and year-round customers.  By implementing a combination of unique sales practices and Phillips 66 sales support, Inlet Petroleum serves as a great example of how to establish a thriving aviation lubricants business.

Due to the sheer size of the state and its relative distance from the lower 48 states, doing business in Alaska can be tricky when it comes to logistics.  However, because the state boasts the largest number of planes per capita according to Alaska Airmen's Association, it seemed logical to Inlet Petroleum's managers to pay closer attention to the aviation segment.  Joel Lawrence, marketing manager at Inlet Petroleum, credits much of its success to the refined distribution structure that it has developed over the years.  Working with strategically planned inventory levels, Inlet Petroleum is able to service customers throughout Alaska with minimal lead time.

"We have developed a network of highly reputable resellers throughout Alaska, which has allowed us to access untapped and hard-to-reach rural markets," explains Lawrence.  "Our reputation for reliability is rooted in our ability to provide the desired product in a timely manner for each and every customer, whether it is an individual pilot or a charter flight company." 

Inlet Petroleum established its presence in the Alaskan market in 1986 and has since expanded its business through the employment of a dedicated outside sales representative whose job is solely focused on the sale of aviation products.  This specialized representative is able to devote all of his sales time to communicating the performance benefits of Phillips 66 Aviation Lubricants, and multiviscosity oils in particular, with the assistance of Phillips 66 sales collateral. 

Phillips 66 X/C^® 20W-50 and 25W-60  Multiviscosity Oils have been the most successful streams of revenue for Inlet Petroleum's Phillips 66 Aviation business in recent years.  The improved cold start up capabilities provided by these oils is a key performance attribute for plane maintenance across the country.  According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a cold start up is considered to be anything below 66°F, which makes a multigrade product a key advantage in the frigid climates of Alaska.

"Our customers use Phillips 66 multiviscosity aviation oils year round and operate in temperatures that can range from -60°F in the winter to 90°F in the central portion of the state in the summer," said Lawrence.  "Our climate is the ultimate test for aviation lubricants and these oils prove to be superior time and time again."   

The versatility of the Phillips 66 Aviation line is best demonstrated through the wide range of customers that Inlet Petroleum is able to service.  From pilots based in remote regions to tourist-based charters, Inlet Petroleum customers have nothing but positive feedback to share. 
 
Evert's Air Cargo, an all-cargo airline operating DC-6 and C-46 aircrafts, is a key foundation account for Inlet Petroleum.  Affordably servicing 19 remote communities throughout Alaska, Evert's Air Cargo counts on Inlet Petroleum and Phillips 66 multiviscosity aviation oils to keep its customers' planes running.

"When operating in excess of 2,000 gallons per month, supply can pose a problem," explains Scot Brown, director of maintenance for Evert's Air Cargo.  "Inlet provides the quantity we need at the time we need it on a consistent basis."

Northern Air Cargo, Alaska's largest scheduled all-cargo airline for the past 50 years, has relied on Inlet for its extraordinary customer service.

"Inlet Petroleum provides a well-rounded service package," explains Jeff Landrum, vice president of maintenance for Northern Air Cargo.  "The product is always delivered on time.  In addition, Inlet Petroleum goes beyond basic delivery to provide us with an inventory monitoring service, which has become increasingly useful with our varying intake quantities." 

Inlet Petroleum continues to grow its business by understanding customers' needs and taking the steps necessary to provide superior products and world-class service.  We appreciate the dedication and support of the entire sales staff at Inlet Petroleum and wish them continued success.

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