The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged European airlines to consider switching to US-manufactured jet fuel amid growing concerns over possible shortages triggered by the Iran oil crisis. The trade body, representing carriers globally, stated that its European members could "ease some pressure" by altering the type of fuel they use.
Fuel Grades and Key Differences
Commercial aviation primarily relies on two fuel grades: Jet A-1, used across most of the world, and Jet A, predominantly used in North America. While they are similar, the main distinction is that Jet A-1 has a lower maximum freezing point, offering greater versatility on long-haul and polar routes. Jet A is largely produced outside the Gulf region, where fuel supplies are constrained by Iran's restrictions on tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz.
IATA's Recommendation
IATA's director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, wrote in a blog post that using Jet A "could give airlines facing a possible shortfall in fuel supply more options." He suggested this could "help the industry make better use of the fuel we have" and "keep schedules intact." Fox added: "Fuel supply could come under pressure if the war in the Middle East continues. Using Jet A, which is produced at scale outside the Gulf, could be a practical way to help ease some pressure on existing supply chains."
Fox emphasised that switching fuel grades would require a controlled transition with critical safety precautions, including accounting for the higher freezing point of Jet A and ensuring crew members are fully briefed on which fuel is on board.
Industry Impact
On Friday, British Airways' parent company International Airlines Group warned that its profits would be affected, anticipating spending approximately two billion euros (£1.72 billion) more than budgeted on fuel this year. However, CEO Luis Gallego stated that he does not believe the group will experience "any interruption for the summer" regarding fuel supply.
