Jet A1 Procurement: What Aviation Fuel Buyers Need to Verify

Why Jet A1 is different

Diesel out-of-spec causes a smoky truck. Jet A1 out-of-spec causes engine flameouts at 35,000 feet. The aviation industry has accordingly built the most rigorous quality regime in petroleum. Buyers stepping into Jet A1 procurement need to respect that.

The spec

Jet A1 follows DEF STAN 91-091 (UK Ministry of Defence) and ASTM D1655 (commercial). Key parameters:

• Flash point ≥38°C
• Freezing point ≤-47°C
• Density 775–840 kg/m³ at 15°C
• Sulfur ≤0.30% (3000 ppm by mass)
• Specific additives (FSII, SDA, lubricity improvers)

Joint Inspection Group (JIG)

JIG governs aviation fuel quality at airports globally. Every airport supplier follows JIG procedures. The fuel a buyer receives at a JIG-certified depot is tested at refinery, at terminal, at hydrant, and at into-plane delivery. Buyers cannot bypass this regime.

Purchase points

Jet A1 trades at three distinct points:

1. Refinery gate — from producer, requires direct refinery offtake agreement

2. Terminal — at storage, where most spot trades happen

3. Into-plane — final supply at the airport, contracted directly with aviation services companies

Most "Jet A1 deals" advertised by intermediaries are actually terminal-stage sales — confirm where the title is held.

Common scams

• "Jet A1 in tank" with no JIG certification
• "Recertification" offered to upgrade off-spec product (this is not how aviation fuel works)
• Falsified COA (Certificate of Analysis) documents

What to demand

• COA from refinery for the specific batch
• JIG-compliant inspection at loading
• Serial numbers on samples retained for 90 days
• Letter from the certifying laboratory confirming traceability