CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The soaring costs of jet fuel haven't kept state-operated aircraft grounded just yet.

For fiscal year 2007, the state burned through 52,000 gallons of jet fuel for business-related flights, according to the West Virginia Aviation Division.

State aircraft has seen slightly more action this year, using 58,000 gallons.

And just like the gasoline that fills cars, the price of jet fuel has also shot up over the past year.

The state paid an average of $3.28 a gallon in 2007, said Diane Holley, spokeswoman for the Department of Administration.

For fiscal year 2008, the cost increased to an average of $4.46 a gallon, she said. In that year, the state paid as much as $8.56 a gallon, but no less than $3.50.

"The increased costs of oil and aviation fuel obviously has affected the entire aviation community," Holley said. "We're no exception. Aviation fuel is similar in composition to kerosene, but twice the cost."

Executive Air handles fuel sales at Yeager Airport for the Aviation Division. The company negotiates a fuel contract with the state in order to provide fuel at a discounted price. The state would incur even higher fuel costs without the contract.

Often, state aircraft must refuel at major airports where the cost is significantly higher, Holley said.

"We're attempting to minimize fuel purchases out of major airports," she said.

State officials have always tried to limit use of aircraft to high-priority business matters. Cabinet secretaries must approve each flight request.

"We've always evaluated the use of state planes by looking at cost-efficiency," Holley said.

West Virginia is one of 48 states that have an aviation division to transport the governor and other state officials. The division was created in 1929.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The soaring costs of jet fuel haven't kept state-operated aircraft grounded just yet.

For fiscal year 2007, the state burned through 52,000 gallons of jet fuel for business-related flights, according to the West Virginia Aviation Division.

State aircraft has seen slightly more action this year, using 58,000 gallons.

And just like the gasoline that fills cars, the price of jet fuel has also shot up over the past year.

The state paid an average of $3.28 a gallon in 2007, said Diane Holley, spokeswoman for the Department of Administration.

For fiscal year 2008, the cost increased to an average of $4.46 a gallon, she said. In that year, the state paid as much as $8.56 a gallon, but no less than $3.50.

"The increased costs of oil and aviation fuel obviously has affected the entire aviation community," Holley said. "We're no exception. Aviation fuel is similar in composition to kerosene, but twice the cost."

Executive Air handles fuel sales at Yeager Airport for the Aviation Division. The company negotiates a fuel contract with the state in order to provide fuel at a discounted price. The state would incur even higher fuel costs without the contract.

Often, state aircraft must refuel at major airports where the cost is significantly higher, Holley said.

"We're attempting to minimize fuel purchases out of major airports," she said.

State officials have always tried to limit use of aircraft to high-priority business matters. Cabinet secretaries must approve each flight request.

"We've always evaluated the use of state planes by looking at cost-efficiency," Holley said.

West Virginia is one of 48 states that have an aviation division to transport the governor and other state officials. The division was created in 1929.

It maintains two airplanes - a Beechcraft King Air 350 and Cessna 208B Grand Caravan - and three helicopters - two Bell 206 Series choppers and a Bell 407 one.

The division operates and maintains a hangar at Yeager Airport and also coordinates charter services for state government officials if its aircraft aren't available.

According to the division's Web site, transportation offered by the state is more cost effective than other auto, commercial airline and charter services.

Gov. Joe Manchin, who pilots himself to some events, is also seeing a similar amount of airtime despite the rising fuel prices.

"The governor uses the state aircraft only when it's the most efficient way for him to travel to a destination and maintain his schedule," said Manchin spokesman Matt Turner. "There's not been a specific cutback on flights because his job requires him to travel to locations across the state, and many that would otherwise not be possible without air travel.

"However, we are always striving to plan his travel, whether by plane or by car, in the most efficient manner possible, often visiting several events or meeting multiple requests with one trip."

The high costs have also burdened commercial airlines and airports, said Yeager Airport Director Rick Atkinson.

Jet fuel currently runs about $3.50 a gallon, he said. Last spring it was about $1.10 a gallon.

Airlines typically purchase fuel in advance and have it delivered and stored at airports they operate from. They usually don't buy fuel on the spot market unless necessary, Atkinson said. This saves airlines a few bucks, but even this method hasn't helped with the escalating costs, he said.

Earlier this year, Southern Skyways scrapped plans to offer flights at Yeager from Charleston to Las Vegas because of the rising cost of jet fuel.

"Fuel used to be about 20 percent of an airline's cost of doing business," Atkinson said. "Now, it's 50 percent. It's really put a challenge on airlines to operate and make a profit."

To offset those costs, airlines may charge passengers extra fees. Atkinson projects that airlines will trim their fleets after Labor Day, and fewer flights will be available this fall nationwide.

Contact writer Jake Stump at jakest...@dailymail.com or (304) 348-4842.