What Is Jet A1 Fuel?
Jet A1 is a kerosene-type aviation turbine fuel made for jet engines and turboprops. It is the standard fuel for international flights because it stays liquid at the very low temperatures aircraft meet at cruising altitude.
What is kerosene?
Kerosene is a light, clear fuel distilled from crude oil, boiling roughly between 150°C and 300°C. It sits between gasoline and diesel in the refinery. Ordinary kerosene is used for heating, lamps and cooking; aviation kerosene is the same family of product, refined and tested to much tighter limits.
What is jet fuel made of?
Jet fuel is mainly a mix of hydrocarbons (paraffins, naphthenes and a limited share of aromatics) taken from the kerosene cut of crude oil, then treated to remove sulphur and impurities. Small amounts of approved additives are allowed, such as antioxidants, a static dissipator additive and, for military fuel, an icing inhibitor. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can be blended in up to the limits set by ASTM D7566.
Is jet fuel kerosene?
Yes. Jet A and Jet A1 are kerosene-type fuels. The difference from household kerosene is the specification: jet fuel must pass strict tests for freezing point, thermal stability, water, particles and conductivity, and every batch needs a certificate before it can be used on an aircraft.
Jet A and Jet A1: The Key Differences
People search "Jet A and Jet A1" because the names are almost the same. In practice the main difference is the freezing point, and that decides where each fuel is used.
| Fuel | Type | Freezing point (max) | Main use | Main specification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A1 | Kerosene | −47°C | International and most non-US flights | DEF STAN 91-091, ASTM D1655, JIG AFQRJOS checklist |
| Jet A | Kerosene | −40°C | Mainly domestic flights in the United States | ASTM D1655 |
| Jet B | Wide-cut (naphtha and kerosene) | About −50°C | Very cold regions such as northern Canada | ASTM D6615 / CAN/CGSB-3.22 |
| JP-8 | Kerosene (military) | −47°C | Military aircraft, based on Jet A1 with extra additives | MIL-DTL-83133 |
| Avgas 100LL | Aviation gasoline | −58°C | Small piston-engine aircraft | ASTM D910 |
Jet A1 also usually carries a static dissipator additive to make handling safer, while Jet A in the US often does not. For a trader, the practical point is simple: never mix up Jet A and Jet A1 in an offer or contract. A cargo meeting Jet A limits may fail a Jet A1 freezing point test.
Jet A1 Specifications Buyers Check
Serious buyers ask for the specification line by line. The table below shows the key Jet A1 limits used in the market. Always check the current edition of DEF STAN 91-091, ASTM D1655 and the Joint Inspection Group (JIG) checklist named in your contract.
| Property | Typical Jet A1 limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, bright, free of solids and undissolved water | First check at every handover |
| Density at 15°C | 775–840 kg/m³ | Used to convert volume to weight and check identity |
| Flash point | Min 38°C | Fire safety in storage and handling |
| Freezing point | Max −47°C | Fuel must not form wax crystals at altitude |
| Viscosity at −20°C | Max 8.0 mm²/s | Fuel must flow and atomise when cold |
| Total sulphur | Max 0.30% by mass | Engine wear and emissions |
| Aromatics | Max about 25% by volume (limit depends on test method and spec) | Smoke and seal behaviour |
| Smoke point | Min 25 mm, or min 18 mm with naphthalenes max 3% | Clean burning |
| Net heat of combustion | Min 42.8 MJ/kg | Energy per kilo of fuel |
| Thermal stability (JFTOT, 260°C) | Must pass | Fuel must not form deposits in hot engine parts |
| Electrical conductivity | 50–600 pS/m when static dissipator is used | Reduces static risk during fuelling |
Jet fuel density and weight per gallon
Because Jet A1 density sits around 0.80 kg per litre, one US gallon of jet fuel weighs about 3.0 kg, or roughly 6.7 lb (usually between 6.5 and 7.0 lb depending on temperature and batch). Airlines and traders use density to convert litres, gallons and barrels into metric tonnes, which is how most cargoes outside the US are bought and sold.
Jet fuel QC: who checks the quality?
Jet fuel quality control follows the fuel all the way to the aircraft. The refinery issues a Refinery Certificate of Quality (RCQ). An independent inspector such as SGS, Intertek or Saybolt tests the cargo at loading and discharge. Terminals and airports then re-test and issue release certificates before the fuel goes into aircraft. A Jet A1 "offer" with no traceable RCQ is not a real offer.
Jet Fuel vs Kerosene vs Diesel
These three are close relatives, which is why the questions "is kerosene the same as diesel?" and "jet fuel vs kerosene" come up so often.
| Point | Jet A1 | Heating kerosene | Diesel (EN590) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refinery cut | Kerosene | Kerosene | Heavier middle distillate |
| Main use | Jet engines | Heaters, lamps, cooking | Road vehicles and machinery |
| Freezing / cold limit | Freezing point max −47°C | Not tightly controlled | Cold filter plugging point by season |
| Testing and paperwork | Very strict, certificate for every batch | Basic | Strict (EN 590 standard) |
Kerosene and diesel are not the same, and neither can be swapped for Jet A1 in aviation. If you want to understand the diesel side in detail, read our EN590 diesel and ULSD guide.
How the Jet A1 Fuel Price Is Set
There is no single "Jet A1 price". Physical cargoes are priced against published benchmarks from price reporting agencies such as S&P Global Platts and Argus, for example jet fuel cargoes CIF Northwest Europe, Singapore jet kerosene or US Gulf Coast jet. Europe and Asia usually quote in US dollars per metric tonne; the US quotes in cents per gallon.
Most deals use a formula: the average benchmark price over an agreed number of days around the bill of lading date, plus or minus a premium. The premium reflects quality, location, freight and the market. Public trackers such as the IATA Jet Fuel Price Monitor and jet fuel price charts help you see the trend, but your contract price comes from the formula, not from a chart.
Why jet fuel costs swing
Jet fuel costs follow crude oil, refinery output, airline demand and freight rates. When a broker promises a fixed Jet A1 price far below the benchmark for twelve months, that is a warning sign, not a bargain.
How a Jet A1 Cargo Is Traded
Real jet fuel deals follow a clear order. Each step has its own documents, which we explain in our fuel trade documents guide.
- Buyer checks and enquiry. The buyer shows who it is (KYC) and what it needs: product, specification, quantity, port, delivery terms and timing.
- Offer and negotiation. The seller sends an offer with a price formula, quality spec and inspection terms. Both sides negotiate Incoterms such as FOB or CIF.
- Sale and purchase agreement (SPA). The contract fixes quantity tolerance, laytime, inspection, liability and law.
- Payment security. The buyer's bank issues a documentary letter of credit or standby letter of credit as agreed in the SPA.
- Loading and inspection. The vessel is nominated, loaded, and an independent inspector confirms quantity and quality.
- Documents and payment. Bill of lading, certificate of quality, certificate of origin and invoice are presented, and the bank pays against them.
Jet A1 normally moves in clean product tankers (MR, LR1 or LR2 size), then by pipeline or truck to an airport fuel farm, and finally into the aircraft through a hydrant system or refueller.
Jet A vs Jet A1 in the United States
Most US domestic airports fuel aircraft with Jet A, while most international airports use Jet A1. Both are kerosene-type aviation turbine fuels made to ASTM D1655. The key difference is the freezing point: Jet A has a maximum of −40°C and Jet A1 a maximum of −47°C, which is why Jet A1 is the standard for long international flights over cold routes.
| Point | Jet A (US) | Jet A1 (international) |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | US domestic airports | International airports worldwide |
| Max freezing point | −40°C | −47°C |
| Specification | ASTM D1655 | ASTM D1655, DEF STAN 91-091, AFQRJOS checklist |
| Static-dissipator additive | Not normally required | Usually required |
Is jet fuel kerosene?
Yes. Jet A and Jet A1 are highly refined kerosene with tight limits on freezing point, flash point, contamination and water. That is why aviation buyers ask for full quality and traceability documents.
Kerosene vs diesel, and K-1 kerosene
Kerosene is a lighter cut than diesel, with a lower boiling range. K-1 kerosene is a low-sulfur heating and lamp grade sold in the US (ASTM D3699). It is not jet fuel and cannot be sold to airlines, so a "K-1" or "kerosene" offer is never a Jet A or Jet A1 cargo.
Jet A1 Fuel: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jet A1 fuel?
Jet A1 is a kerosene-type aviation turbine fuel used by jet and turboprop aircraft worldwide. It has a maximum freezing point of −47°C, a minimum flash point of 38°C and must meet strict specifications such as DEF STAN 91-091 and ASTM D1655.
What is the difference between Jet A and Jet A1?
Both are kerosene-type jet fuels. Jet A1 has a lower maximum freezing point (−47°C) than Jet A (−40°C), so Jet A1 is used for international flights while Jet A is mainly used for domestic flights in the United States.
Is jet fuel kerosene?
Yes. Jet A and Jet A1 are refined kerosene, but they are made and tested to much tighter aviation standards than heating kerosene, and every batch needs a quality certificate.
What is jet fuel made of?
Jet fuel is made from the kerosene cut of crude oil: a blend of paraffins, naphthenes and a limited amount of aromatics, treated to remove sulphur and impurities, with small amounts of approved additives. Approved sustainable aviation fuel can also be blended in.
How much does a gallon of jet fuel weigh?
A US gallon of jet fuel weighs about 6.7 lb (around 3.0 kg), usually between 6.5 and 7.0 lb depending on temperature and batch. Jet A1 density is 775 to 840 kg/m³ at 15°C.
What is the flash point of jet fuel?
The minimum flash point of Jet A and Jet A1 is 38°C. Jet B, a wide-cut fuel, has a much lower flash point and needs more careful handling.
What octane is jet fuel?
Jet fuel does not have an octane rating. Octane applies to gasoline for piston engines, such as aviation gasoline (avgas 100LL). Jet engines burn kerosene continuously, so octane is not relevant.
How is the Jet A1 fuel price set?
Physical Jet A1 cargoes are usually priced with a formula: the average of a published benchmark (such as Platts or Argus jet fuel quotes) over agreed days around the bill of lading date, plus or minus a premium for quality, location and freight.
How can I spot a fake Jet A1 offer?
Watch for huge round volumes with no named refinery or terminal, prices far below the benchmark, requests for upfront fees, and documents you cannot verify directly with the terminal or inspection company. Real sellers welcome verification.
Do US airports use Jet A or Jet A1?
Most US domestic airports use Jet A. Jet A1 is used at most international airports. The main difference is the freezing point: −40°C maximum for Jet A and −47°C for Jet A1.
Is K-1 kerosene the same as jet fuel?
No. K-1 is a heating and lamp kerosene grade (ASTM D3699). Jet A and Jet A1 are aviation fuels made to stricter specifications and sold only through approved supply chains.
Is jet fuel kerosene?
Yes. Jet A and Jet A1 are kerosene-type fuels, refined and tested to tight aviation limits on freezing point, flash point and contamination.