Aviation Fuel

Aviation Fuel

What is Aviation Fuel?

Essentials of Aviation Fuel for Aircraft Performance

A specialised type of petroleum-based fuel is used to power aircraft. Aviation fuel is a critical element of the global aviation industry, enabling aircraft's safe and efficient operation across various conditions. Its production, distribution, and use are subject to rigorous standards and continuous innovation, with ongoing efforts to improve environmental sustainability without compromising performance or safety.

Aviation fuel is a specialised type of petroleum-based fuel used to power aircraft. Aviation Fuel is engineered to meet rigorous safety and performance standards, ensuring that aircraft can operate efficiently and reliably under various conditions. Aviation fuels are categorised into two main types: jet fuel and aviation gasoline (avgas).

Jet Fuel, the most commonly used aviation fuel, is designed for use in turbine engines, which power most commercial airliners, military aircraft, and many helicopters. Jet fuel is further divided into several grades, with Jet A and Jet A-1 being the most prevalent. These fuels are kerosene-based, characterised by their high flash point and low freezing point, making them suitable for use in various environments, including the cold temperatures encountered at high altitudes.

Jet A-1 has a slightly lower freeze point than Jet A, making it more suitable for international flights, especially those crossing polar regions. Another variant, Jet B, is a mixture of gasoline and kerosene, offering a lower freeze point and higher volatility, which is advantageous in extremely cold climates but with increased flammability risks.

Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) is formulated for piston-engine aircraft, such as small private planes, training aircraft, and vintage military aircraft. Avgas is leaded fuel, with tetraethyl lead added to increase its octane rating, enhancing engine performance and preventing knocking.

The most common grade of avgas is 100LL (low lead), although it still contains more lead than automotive gasoline. The lead content is critical for protecting the valves in older engines. However, it poses environmental and health concerns, prompting ongoing research into unleaded alternatives that can meet the performance requirements without adverse effects.

Aviation fuels contain various additives to improve performance and safety. These include antioxidants to prevent gumming, metal deactivators to protect engine parts, ice inhibitors to reduce the risk of water in the fuel freezing, and static dissipators to minimise the risk of static electricity igniting the fuel. Fuel quality and purity are paramount in aviation, requiring stringent testing and handling procedures to ensure that the fuel delivered to an aircraft is free from contamination and meets all specified standards.

The production and distribution of aviation fuel are highly specialised processes involving careful refinement, blending, and testing to meet the exact specifications required for safe and efficient aviation operations. The global distribution network for aviation fuel is vast and complex, ensuring that airports and airfields worldwide have a reliable fuel supply to support international and domestic air travel and commerce.

As the aviation industry evolves, there is a growing focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. SAFs are made from renewable resources, such as biomass and waste oils. They are designed to be drop-in replacements for conventional jet fuel, requiring no aircraft or fuel distribution infrastructure modifications.

These fuels offer the potential for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, representing a key component of the aviation industry's strategy for achieving carbon-neutral growth.