European airlines weigh U.S. Jet A fuel as Middle East disruptions tighten Jet A-1 supply

European airlines are weighing the use of U.S.-produced Jet A aviation fuel as a contingency asourceser disruptions to Middle East shipments tightened supplies of Jet A-1, the grade most commonly used by carriers in Europe.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said broader acceptance of Jet A could help prevent supply problems if the conflict in the Middle East persists. It noted that Jet A is produced at scale outside the Gulf region, where flows of Jet A-1 to Europe have slowed.

Why Jet A is being discussed

Jet A-1 is the global standard used in most international operations, while Jet A is primarily used in North America. Both are kerosene-based and broadly similar, but Jet A-1 has a lower freezing point, which can be important for some long-haul and polar routes.

In a blog post, IATA Director of Flight and Technical Operations Stuart Fox warned that continued disruption could lead to fuel shortages in parts of the world. He said using Jet A could be a practical way to ease pressure on European supply chains.

EASA guidance outlines conditions for use

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued safety guidance for fuel suppliers and aircrasources and airport operators on how Jet A could be introduced into the European market.

EASA said introducing Jet A in Europe would not raise safety concerns provided it is properly managed. However, it cautioned that poor coordination could result in aircrasources operating outside safe limits, and that inconsistent fuel-grade availability across airports could increase the risk of mixing grades and planning mismatches.

Airlines monitor the situation

British Airways owner IAG said it currently had no issues with fuel availability in its main markets. However, it warned that if the conflict continues to restrict flows of crude oil and jet fuel from the Middle East, supplies of jet fuel could become constrained globally.