Introduction

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), commonly known as jet fuel, is the lifeblood of modern aviation. From commercial airliners cruising at 35,000 feet to military aircraft operating in extreme environments, ATF is specially engineered to deliver high energy, safety, and reliability under demanding conditions.

ATF is a kerosene-based hydrocarbon blend—not a single compound—designed for energy, safety, and extreme cold performance. Unlike petrol or diesel, aviation fuel has no single molecular formula.
Jet fuels like Jet A-1 are kerosene-based hydrocarbon blends (typically C₁₀H₂₀ to C₁₂H₂₄) engineered for high energy density, low freezing point, and clean combustion at cruising altitudes.

Aviation turbine fuels are defined by performance specifications rather than a fixed chemical composition, ensuring consistent behaviour across varying climates, altitudes, and engine designs.

What is Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)?

Aviation turbine fuel is a petroleum-based fuel designed for aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines, including jet engines, turboprops, and helicopters. According to guidance from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), strict fuel handling and quality control are essential for safe aircraft operations.

Key characteristics:

• Colorless to straw-colored
• High energy content
• Low freezing point
• High flash point for safer handling
• Clean-burning and thermally stable

ATF primarily consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly in the kerosene range, optimised for combustion efficiency and operational safety.

Why Kerosene is Used in Jet Engines

Early turbine engines experimented with multiple fuels, but kerosene-type fuels proved ideal due to:

• Lower volatility than gasoline
• Reduced fire risk during ground handling
• Better safety in crash scenarios
• Higher volumetric energy density
• Stable combustion at high altitudes

Today, kerosene-based fuels dominate global aviation. Read the classification below

Main Types of Aviation Turbine Fuel

1. Jet A & Jet A-1 (Most Common)

Jet A

• Used mainly in the United States
• Freezing point: –40°C
• Flash point: ≥38°C
• ASTM D1655 specification

Jet A-1 (Global Standard)

1. Used worldwide
2. Lower freezing point: –47°C
3. Mandatory anti-static additive
4. Meets:

ASTM D1655

DEF STAN 91-91

NATO Code F-35

Jet A-1 is preferred for long-haul international flights due to superior cold-weather performance.

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2. Jet B (Wide-Cut Fuel)

• Blend of kerosene and gasoline
• Very low freezing point: –60°C
• Low flash point (more flammable)
• Used only in extremely cold regions like northern Canada and Alaska

3. Russian & CIS Jet Fuels (TS-1)

• Governed by GOST standards
• Main grade: TS-1
• Lower flash point (~28°C)
• Freezing point below –50°C
• Comparable to Jet A-1 in performance
• Widely used across Russia and CIS countries

Typical Physical Properties of Jet Fuel

These properties ensure reliable operation at high altitude and extreme temperatures.

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Additives Used in Aviation Turbine Fuel

Jet fuel contains carefully controlled additives to enhance safety and performance:

• Antioxidants – prevent gum formation
• Antistatic agents – reduce static electricity
• Corrosion inhibitors – protect fuel systems
• Fuel System Icing Inhibitors (FSII) – prevent ice blockage
• Biocides – control microbial growth
• Metal deactivators – improve thermal stability

Each additive is strictly regulated under ASTM and DEF STAN standards.

Water Contamination in Jet Fuel

Water presence in ATF is a serious concern:

• At high altitude, dissolved water can freeze
• Ice crystals may block fuel lines
• This was a contributing factor in British Airways Flight 38

Prevention methods:

1. Fuel heaters
2. Water-separating filters
3. ASTM D3948 water separation testing
4. Regular quality checks (max. 30 ppm free water)

Military Jet Fuels (JP Series)

Military aviation uses specialised fuels for extreme missions:

JP-8 is widely used as a universal fuel for both aircraft and ground vehicles.

How Aviation Turbine Fuel is Produced

Crude oil distillation

Extraction of kerosene fraction

Hydrotreating to remove sulfur and impurities

Blending to meet performance specs

Additive injection

Quality testing and certification

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

What is SAF?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel that can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.

Common SAF Types:

• HEFA-SPK – from waste oils & fats
• FT-SPK – Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
• ATJ-SPK – Alcohol-to-Jet

SAF is fully compatible with existing aircraft when blended with conventional ATF.

Why SAF is Needed

• Aviation contributes ~2.5% of global CO₂ emissions
• Air traffic demand is growing ~4.3% annually
• Limited electrification options for long-haul flights
• Pressure from global climate commitments (ICAO, Paris Agreement)

Challenges in SAF Adoption

• High production costs (50–200% more than ATF)
• Limited feedstock availability
• Complex supply chains
• Insufficient global production capacity
• Regulatory and certification hurdles

The Future of Aviation Fuel

The future lies in:

• Scaling SAF production
• Policy incentives and subsidies
• Technological innovation
• Global harmonization of standards
• Gradual increase in SAF blending ratios

Aviation turbine fuel will remain essential, but sustainable fuels will define the next era of aviation.

Conclusion

Aviation turbine fuel is a highly specialised energy source designed for safety, efficiency, and reliability in the harshest operating conditions. While Jet A-1 remains the global standard today, the aviation industry is actively transitioning toward sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions and secure a greener future.

Also read our detailed guide on the LNG unloading process at import terminals