Jet A-1 is the internationally standardised aviation turbine fuel used by commercial airlines, military aircraft, and private aviation operations outside North America. It is one of the most tightly specified commodity products in trade, with zero tolerance for off-spec product.
Jet A-1 Specification Highlights
| Parameter | Jet A-1 (DEF STAN 91-091) |
|---|---|
| Freeze point (max) | −47°C |
| Flash point (min) | 38°C |
| Density at 15°C | 775–840 kg/m³ |
| Net heat of combustion (min) | 42.8 MJ/kg |
| Total sulphur (max) | 0.30% m/m |
| Smoke point (min) | 25 mm (or 19 mm + max 3% naphthalenes) |
| Thermal stability (JFTOT) | 260°C — no failure |
| Antistatic additive | Required (Stadis 450 or equivalent) |
Pricing Benchmarks
Jet A-1 is priced primarily as a crack spread over Brent crude, reflecting refinery processing margins. Key benchmarks:
- Platts FOB Rotterdam — standard for European jet fuel trade (PJABA00)
- Platts CIF NWE — delivered price basis for Northwest Europe
- Singapore Jet A-1 FOB — Asian benchmark (ICIS/Argus)
- US Gulf Coast Jet A — North American reference (Platts GCA)
The Jet/ULSD crack spread (the premium of Jet over diesel) reflects seasonal demand variation — jet cracks typically widen in summer travel season and narrow in winter.
Jet A-1 vs Other Aviation Fuels
| Fuel | Standard | Freeze Point | Used Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 | DEF STAN 91-091 / ASTM D1655 Grade A-1 | −47°C | Worldwide (ex-US) |
| Jet A | ASTM D1655 Grade A | −40°C | USA domestic |
| JP-8 | MIL-DTL-83133 | −47°C | NATO military |
| TS-1 | GOST 10227 | −50°C | Russia/CIS |
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is increasingly traded alongside conventional Jet A-1. SAF must be blended with conventional Jet A-1 (typically at 10–50% SAF content) and meet the same ASTM D1655/DEF STAN 91-091 specifications as the final blend. SAF carries a significant price premium due to limited production capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Jet A-1 fuel?
Jet A-1 is the standard aviation turbine fuel used by commercial airlines worldwide (except North America, which uses Jet A). It has a lower freeze point (-47°C vs -40°C for Jet A) and meets ASTM D1655 and DEF STAN 91-091 standards.
- What is the difference between Jet A and Jet A-1?
The main difference is freeze point: Jet A-1 freezes at -47°C, Jet A at -40°C. Jet A-1 is the international standard; Jet A is used domestically in the USA. Both meet ASTM D1655 but to different grades.
- How is Jet A-1 price quoted?
Jet A-1 is typically quoted as USD per metric tonne ($/MT) or US cents per US gallon (c/USgal). The main benchmark is the Platts Jet A-1 CIF NWE or FOB Rotterdam assessment.
- What inspection standards apply to Jet A-1 trade?
Jet A-1 must meet ASTM D1655 Grade Jet A-1 or DEF STAN 91-091. Inspection is conducted by SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas. JFTOT (Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test) results are required for premium grades.