Product overview
Jet A-1 is a refined middle distillate within the kerosene range, produced to tight limits so it performs reliably at altitude and low temperature. Its specification is maintained internationally through DEF STAN 91-091 (United Kingdom) and ASTM D1655 (United States), which are closely aligned and widely referenced in the Aviation Fuel Quality Requirements for Jointly Operated Systems (AFQRJOS).
Key parameters include a low freezing point, a controlled flash point and strict limits on contaminants and water, reflecting the fuel's safety-critical use. As a traded commodity it moves in dedicated clean systems to preserve quality.
Typical specifications
| Specification | DEF STAN 91-091 / ASTM D1655 (Jet A-1) |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 38 °C min |
| Freezing point | -47 °C max |
| Density at 15 °C | 775–840 kg/m³ |
| Total sulphur | 0.30% by mass max |
| Aromatics | 25% by volume max |
| Smoke point | 25 mm min |
| Existent gum | 7 mg/100 mL max |
Indicative typical values shown for orientation only. Exact quality is cargo-dependent and the final contractual specification, as confirmed in the sales agreement and verified by independent inspection, prevails.
Commercial relevance and typical uses
Jet A-1 is the standard fuel for gas-turbine engines in commercial and most general aviation outside the small number of markets that use Jet A. It is handled through airport storage and hydrant systems operated by fuel suppliers and into-plane agents.
In the physical trade, Jet A-1 typically changes hands between refineries, traders and storage or supply operators before it reaches an airport. 3FB participates at this trading and logistics stage and does not undertake into-plane fuelling or airline supply.
Quality and independent inspection
Aviation fuel is subject to particularly rigorous quality control. An independent inspection company samples and tests the cargo against the Jet A-1 specification and issues a certificate of quality; many parameters, including water, particulate and conductivity, are sensitive to handling. 3FB coordinates the appointment of inspectors such as SGS or Intertek, which are examples of firms active in the trade rather than partners of the company.
Because quality is cargo-dependent and the fuel is safety-critical, the contractual specification and the inspector's certificate govern. See inspection and how independent inspection works.
Shipping and logistics
Jet A-1 is carried in dedicated clean petroleum product tankers and transferred through segregated, well-documented systems to avoid contamination. 3FB trades on FOB terms, with the buyer arranging onward carriage, and on CIF terms, with 3FB arranging freight and insurance to the discharge port, as explained in FOB versus CIF.
A delivery window is agreed as a laycan, and vessel selection accounts for prior-cargo history to protect specification. See shipping and logistics.
Trade documentation
A Jet A-1 cargo is accompanied by the bill of lading, certificate of origin, certificate of quality and certificate of quantity from the independent inspector, a refinery certificate of analysis where provided, and the commercial invoice. Payment is commonly settled under a documentary letter of credit.
See the documents in a petroleum transaction and the bill of lading explainer.
Buyer inquiry process
To request an indication, state the volume, the delivery terms (FOB or CIF with the port), the target laycan, the required documentation and the intended payment instrument. The desk reviews feasibility and responds with an indicative offer, subject to confirmation.
Counterparties complete KYC and compliance review before any definitive agreement. Start at the trading desk.