European Airlines Urged To Use US Jet Fuel To Offset Middle East Supply Reductions
European airlines should consider utilising US-manufactured jet fuel to mitigate significant price increases and constrained supply, according to two prominent international airline organisations. These disruptions stem directly from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has curtailed traditional energy flows from the Middle East.
Jet Fuel Price Hikes Exacerbate Supply Concerns
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has advocated for broader international acceptance of US-grade jet fuel as a practical measure to ease potential shortages. Concurrently, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued safety guidelines detailing the process for integrating US supplies into the European market, alongside comprehensive information on associated operational risks.
Since the initiation of the conflict, the price of the standard jet fuel used by most European airlines has surged by 50 per cent. Stuart Fox, IATA's director of flight and technical operations, has warned that persistent conflict in the Middle East could rapidly lead to global fuel shortages.
Commercial aviation primarily uses two types of kerosene-based fuel: Jet A-1, the global standard, and Jet A, predominantly used in North America. While fundamentally similar, Jet A-1 possesses a lower freezing point, allowing for greater flexibility on long-haul and polar routes.
Supply of Jet A-1 from the Gulf region has diminished significantly since the conflict erupted, particularly impacting Europe, which traditionally depends on these imports. Although increased shipments from the US have partially compensated, many US refineries are not configured to produce Jet A-1, limiting export capacity across the Atlantic.
Operational Risks And Management Strategies
Fox stated that European fuel supply could face considerable pressure if the Middle East conflict persists. He suggested that integrating Jet A, produced at scale outside the Gulf, offers a pragmatic solution to alleviate strain on existing supply chains. North American airlines routinely use Jet A, even in frigid regions like parts of Alaska, by employing fuel additives and meticulous flight planning to remain within safe operational limits.
EASA's safety information bulletin provides guidance for fuel suppliers and aircraft and airport operators, affirming that the introduction of Jet A in Europe
