helicopter on runway

About us

Tilwell Petroleum, LLC was founded in 1985, operating at the Simsbury Airport in Connecticut originally under the business name The Cardwell Agency. Following a reorganization in 2007, the company became Tilwell Petroleum LLC, with a renewed focus on supplying aviation fuels, solvents, and calibration standards to the aerospace and defense sectors across the continental U.S. and select international markets.

Now located at the Westerly Airport in Rhode Island, we deliver added value with every order—combining flexible packaging options, from bulk to drums, with responsive service and reliable turnaround times. Our product line includes Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, JP-10, diesel fuels, calibration fluids, and more.

Tilwell is one of the few companies authorized to supply JP-10 outside of Department of Defense contracts, in collaboration with the Defense Energy Support Center, part of the Defense Logistics Agency.

In 2009, with the addition of Admiral William J. Fallon, U.S. Navy (Retired), Tilwell became a Veteran-Owned Small Business; Admiral Fallon has since retired. Our commitment to individualized service continues to make us a trusted partner for some of the most respected names in the aerospace and defense industries.

Principals

  • Kevin L. Martirossian

    Managing Member
    khurley@tilwellpetroleum.com

    With nearly a decade at the company, Kevin’s specialized experience with niche sales and logistics earned her a spot as Managing Member. She’s known for solving unique, one-off client challenges with ease. Her hands-on, dependable approach drives results and creates lasting relationships. Outside of work, she’s dedicated to family life and maintaining an active lifestyle.

  • Frank M. Chiaradio

    Managing Member
    fc@tilwellpetroleum.com

    Frank Chiaradio is a seasoned executive with 20+ years of experience in sales and supply chain, leading multi-million-dollar businesses to growth through strategic leadership and operational excellence. He builds high-performing teams, fosters collaborative cultures, and drives sustainable success. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and making lasting memories with his family.

  • Tony J. Cardwell

    Founder and Managing Member
    tc@tilwellpetroleum.com

    Founder Tony Cardwell holds extensive industry experience following his service in the U.S. Air Force (1956 to 1960). He was assigned to the Military Air Transport Service as an Air Traffic Controller with duties at Keesler AFB, MS; Langley AFB, VA; and Thule, Greenland. Since founding the business, he’s leveraged his logistical background while providing results-driven consulting to clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

fuel tanker at airport

  • Yes. We offer secure storage solutions for customer-owned fuels and chemicals at our facility. This helps reduce on-site storage burdens and ensures your product is readily available when needed, supporting better lead times and more efficient project planning.

  • Yes. We handle global fuel shipments and manage all regulatory requirements. For restricted fuels like JP-10, we work directly with the U.S. State Department to obtain export approvals, ensuring full compliance and smooth delivery.

  • While fuel doesn’t have a printed expiration date, it can degrade over time. Proper storage is essential to maintaining its quality and performance. To maximize shelf life, store fuel in sealed containers, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.

  • We stock a wide variety of fuels to keep lead times as short as possible. Specialty or custom fuel blends may require additional processing time, depending on their complexity and regulatory requirements. Contact us for current availability and estimated timelines.

  • We offer flexible sizing options to meet a variety of needs, from small-batch quantities to bulk volumes. Available sizes vary by fuel type — please visit our Products page for detailed specifications or contact our team for assistance.

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel, made from sources like used cooking oil or agricultural waste. It can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. We offer SAF that meets ASTM D7566 standards and is approved for use in commercial and military aircraft.