Fuels Used in Aircrafts: A Look at Available Options
In the world of aviation, jet fuel plays a crucial role in powering aircraft engines. Known as aviation turbine fuel (ATF), this fuel is specifically designed for gas-turbine engine aircraft and is supplied by numerous major companies globally.
Some of the largest and most well-known companies in the industry include BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Gazpromneft, and Rosneft. These companies supply jet fuel to airports and airlines across the globe, ensuring the smooth operation of the aviation sector.
While there are regional and local companies producing and supplying jet fuel, the aforementioned companies are among the largest and most prominent.
In the United States and the Americas, the primary types of jet fuel used are Jet A and Jet A-1. Jet A is a kerosene-type fuel primarily used in the USA, meeting ASTM D1655 standards with a typical freezing point up to -40°C. On the other hand, Jet A-1 is a kerosene-based aviation fuel with additives for improved cold flow properties, complying with international standards and having a lower freezing point than Jet A.
TS-1, a type of jet fuel commonly used in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, is known for its lower sulfur content, making it more environmentally friendly. TS-1, like Jet A-1, is a kerosene-type fuel with appropriate antifreeze properties, with a freezing point of -50°C or lower. Interestingly, TS-1 is also used in military aircraft and helicopters.
Jet B, a blend of gasoline and kerosene, is mostly used in extremely cold environments like Canada and parts of Russia due to its lower freezing point than Jet A and Jet A-1. However, Jet B is more hazardous because of its volatility.
The differences between these fuels mainly involve their composition, freezing point, availability, and usage suitability in cold climates. Jet A-1 and TS-1 both feature lower freezing points than Jet A, making them preferable in colder regions globally and in Russia respectively. Jet B, due to its lighter components, remains fluid far below Jet A-1 and Jet A freezing points, but it is more hazardous because of volatility. Jet A is most common in the US, while Jet A-1 is the global standard except in very cold environments where Jet B or TS-1 may be preferred.
These fuels are chemically similar kerosene-based products except Jet B, which contains more light hydrocarbons for cold flow. The freezing point is the critical differentiator for usage in cold climates, with Jet B and TS-1 optimized for extreme cold, and Jet A-1 widely used for general international aviation under varied temperature conditions.
BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Gazpromneft, Rosneft, and other companies ensure a steady supply of jet fuel for the aviation industry, enabling the smooth operation of aircraft worldwide. The specific types of jet fuel produced and supplied by each company may vary, but all are designed for gas-turbine engine aircraft.
The major companies in the energy and technology sectors, such as BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Gazpromneft, and Rosneft, also have a significant presence in the finance industry, as they supply jet fuel to airports and airlines globally, ensuring the smooth operation of the aviation sector.
In the vast world of aviation, jet fuel, specifically jet fuel types like Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, and TS-1, are crucial components, each with unique properties backed by advancements in technology and research within the energy and finance industries.
