Aviation Turbine Fuels (Jet A and Jet A-1)

Jet A and Jet A-1 are kerosene-type fuels. The primary physical difference between the two is freeze point (the temperature at which wax crystals disappear in a laboratory test). Jet A, which is mainly used in the United States, must have a freeze point of -40 ºC or below, while Jet A-1 must have a freeze point of -47 ºC or below. Jet A does not normally contain a static dissipator additive, while Jet A-1 often requires this additive. Some of the other key differences between the manufacturing specifications within the United States and Europe/Africa/Middle East/Asia Pacific are:

ASTM D1655-05:
• Has a maximum acidity limit of 0.10 mg KOH/g.
• Allows the use of Simulated Distillation via method ASTM D2887.

Defence Standard 91-91/5:
• Has a maximum acidity limit of 0.015 mg KOH/g.
• Allows for the measurement of Total Aromatics via method ASTM D6379/IP436.
• Has an additional requirement for measurement of lubricity for Jet A-1.