The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has circulated a safety information bulletin to the aviation industry advising on the possible use of Jet A grade fuel amid supply disturbances that have affected Jet A-1 deliveries to Europe.
EASA said the conflict in the Middle East and Persian Gulf region has interrupted regular flows of Jet A-1, the kerosene-based jet fuel typically used across European markets. In response, aviation stakeholders and fuel suppliers are assessing whether Jet A sourced from other regions can be used to address potential shortfalls.
Jet A is already in operational use in North America, including on services that depart from North America to Europe, the agency noted. However, EASA highlighted a critical difference in fuel properties: Jet A has a higher maximum freezing point than Jet A-1. The bulletin urges operators to be mindful of such performance distinctions when considering fuel substitutions.
Separately, the European Commission will publish guidance clarifying how existing EU rules can be applied with flexibility to help mitigate the impacts of the supply shock on the aviation sector. The commission's clarification is intended to complement the technical guidance from EASA and to offer regulatory options for industry participants dealing with the disruption.
The broader concern stems from the war in Iran, which has raised questions about the availability of jet fuel in markets that traditionally rely on Jet A-1. EASA's safety information bulletin and the commission's forthcoming guidance reflect attempts by regulators to provide both technical and regulatory direction while stakeholders evaluate practical supply options.
While the bulletin and the commission's clarifications do not constitute an operational endorsement of one fuel over another, they serve to inform airlines, fuel suppliers and other participants in the aviation supply chain of the considerations and potential flexibilities available during the present disruption.
Industry participants are therefore being asked to weigh the technical differences between fuel grades, to consider sourcing options from alternate regions where Jet A is available, and to follow regulatory guidance as it is published to ensure safe and compliant operations during the ongoing supply challenges.