Jet A-1 is the principal kerosene-type aviation turbine fuel used for international commercial, cargo, business-aviation and turboprop operations. Its technical specification is only one part of a successful uplift: operators must also confirm availability, quantity, supplier acceptance, delivery timing and the fuel release before departure. ASM coordinates these requirements through its 24/7 operations desk.
What is Jet A-1 fuel?
Jet A-1 is an aviation turbine fuel manufactured to recognised specifications such as DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655. It is designed for turbine engines and is widely available outside North America. The approved fuel grade for a specific aircraft and operation remains subject to the aircraft flight manual, operator procedures and applicable regulation.
| Property | Jet A-1 | Operational relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Kerosene-type aviation turbine fuel | Used by many turbine-powered aircraft |
| Maximum freezing point | -47°C | Relevant to high-altitude and cold-route operations |
| Minimum flash point | 38°C | Relevant to storage and ground-handling controls |
| Common specifications | DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655 | Defines required fuel-quality parameters |
What is the difference between Jet A and Jet A-1?
Both are kerosene-type turbine fuels. The best-known operational difference is the specified freezing point: Jet A-1 has a maximum freezing point of -47°C, while Jet A is normally specified at -40°C. Jet A is used mainly in the United States, while Jet A-1 is the more common international grade.
Fuel selection should never be based on a general comparison alone. The crew and operator must confirm the approved specification, route conditions and aircraft requirements.
What must be confirmed before a Jet A-1 uplift?
A quotation is not the same as a confirmed uplift. Before operating to a station, the responsible parties should verify:
- The airport, date and estimated uplift time
- Aircraft registration and operator details
- Required grade and estimated quantity
- Supplier acceptance and fuel availability
- Fuel-release number and delivery instructions
- Payment or credit arrangements
- Handler coordination and apron access
- Any restrictions affecting delivery timing
Changes to the registration, schedule, airport or required quantity should be communicated promptly because they may affect the validity of the arrangement.
How does a fuel release work?
A fuel release authorises the local supplier to deliver an agreed fuel grade and quantity to an identified aircraft under the applicable commercial arrangement. The release normally connects the operator, fuel provider, local supplier and handling agent.
Operators should check that the release details match the aircraft and operation. A release issued for the wrong registration, date or station can delay delivery even when fuel is physically available.
Why can Jet A-1 availability vary by airport?
Major hubs may have several suppliers and high fuel turnover, while regional or remote airports may depend on a single supplier, limited storage or scheduled deliveries. Availability can also be affected by demand peaks, local supply disruption, operating hours, equipment availability and payment conditions.
For an unfamiliar or technically critical station, availability should be confirmed for the specific movement. Published availability does not by itself confirm that the required quantity can be delivered at the planned time.
What affects the final cost of a Jet A-1 uplift?
The final cost may include the underlying product price, airport or into-plane fees, taxes, duties, minimum-uplift charges, overtime, payment terms and currency conversion. The applicable components vary by airport, operator status and flight type.
For that reason, a useful fuel request should identify the complete operation rather than asking only for a generic price per litre or gallon.
How ASM coordinates Jet A-1 fuel
ASM supports aviation-fuel requirements through a network covering more than 3,000 locations in 86 countries. Its Dubai-based 24/7 operations desk coordinates quotations, supplier confirmation, fuel releases, schedule changes and communication with local handlers and suppliers.
ASM carries aviation fuelling liability insurance of USD 1 billion per occurrence. Coverage, supplier availability and operational acceptance should still be confirmed for each request.
Information required for a fuel request
- Operator and aircraft registration
- Aircraft type
- Airport and flight date
- Estimated arrival and departure times
- Required fuel grade
- Estimated uplift quantity and unit
- Billing or credit details
- Handling-agent contact, when appointed
Jet A-1 fuel FAQs
Is Jet A-1 available at every airport?
No. Availability, quantity and delivery capability differ by airport and should be confirmed for each movement.
Does a fuel quotation confirm delivery?
No. Delivery normally requires supplier acceptance, a valid release and coordination for the correct aircraft, airport and schedule.
Can a fuel release be amended?
Often yes, but changes must be accepted by the relevant supplier. Notify the coordinator as soon as the operation changes.
What information affects a fuel quote?
The airport, date, aircraft, quantity, payment terms, taxes, fees and operational timing can all affect the quotation.
Can ASM coordinate fuel with wider trip support?
Yes. Fuel can be coordinated alongside flight planning, permits, ground handling, HOTAC and diversion support.
Reviewed September 2026. Technical and airport-specific requirements can change; operators should use current approved documentation and station confirmation.
Request aviation fuel support: Aviation Fuel Services or email sales@asm.aero.