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 supplies aviation fuel to private and commercial operators through its fuel supply partners and coordinates each confirmed order and uplift with the local supplier 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 |
For an introduction to civil turbine fuel grades and how they differ from avgas, see our jet fuel guide.
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?
Jet A-1’s grade specification is a starting point, not a station-specific supply confirmation. Shell lists a maximum freezing point of −47°C and a minimum flash point of 38°C for the grade; the aircraft’s approved fuel documentation and the local order still govern the proposed operation. See Shell’s civil jet fuel grade reference.
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 should fuel quantity and units be communicated?
State the estimated uplift with its unit whenever requesting or amending supply. Distinguish the amount requested for delivery from the aircraft’s intended total fuel on board. The operator and crew determine the operational requirement; the supplier needs a clear commercial and delivery request against which to confirm service.
If the quotation, request and delivery ticket use different units, ask for a documented reconciliation. Avoid copying a numerical quantity into a new request without its unit. Identify the airport, registration and flight date on each update so the supplier can connect it to the correct movement.
Which records belong with a Jet A-1 uplift?
Keep the accepted quotation, supplier acknowledgement, release reference and delivery ticket together. Ask the supplier which fuel-quality documentation is available or required under the operator’s procedures, and direct technical acceptance questions to the responsible qualified personnel. A commercial release and a fuel-quality record serve different purposes.
For commercial comparisons, use our aviation fuel quotation guide. For the sequence of supplier acceptance and delivery coordination, see from fuel quote to confirmed uplift. If the request includes SAF, review the separate SAF purchasing and evidence checks as well as the applicable fuel specification.
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: review ASM Aviation Fuel Services and send the station-specific requirement. For unfamiliar stations, use the outstation fuel planning checklist; for commercial comparisons, see into-plane fuel charges.