Fuel is the lifeblood of any aircraft, whether it’s a commercial airliner or a small private jet. Specially refined aviation fuel meets the demanding conditions airplanes operate in, such as high altitudes and extreme temperatures. Aircraft use different types of fuel depending on their engine and size, which plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. Understanding the different types of airplane fuel, their costs, and how they affect aircraft operation is crucial for industry professionals and curious travelers alike. In this blog, we’ll understand the types of fuel used in aeroplane their characteristics, and the factors that influence their prices, such as the jet fuel price per gallon and airplane e-fuel price per liter.
More About Aviation Fuel
Aviation fuel powers aircraft using a specialized type of petroleum-based fuel. Refiners highly refine it to meet the high demands of aircraft engines and withstand extreme temperatures and pressures at high altitudes. Aviation fuel comes in various forms depending on the type of aircraft and the engine it uses.
Different Types of Aeroplane Fuel
Now that you know how we select fuel production for aeroplanes, here are some of the primary fuels used for aircraft
1. Jet Fuel
- Jet A1: This is the most common fuel for jet engines in commercial aeroplanes and some military aircraft. It is a kerosene-based fuel that has a high energy density and a low freezing point (-47°C), making it suitable for long-haul flights at high altitudes.
- Jet A: Used primarily in the United States, it is similar to Jet A1 but has a higher freezing point (-40°C). It is mostly used in domestic flights within the U.S.
- Jet B: This is a lighter, more volatile fuel mixture of kerosene and gasoline. It is used in very cold climates as it has a lower freezing point but is less common because of its volatility.
2. Avgas (Aviation Gasoline)
- Avgas 100LL (Low Lead): Primarily used in small piston-engine aircraft. Avgas is different from jet fuel because it is high-octane gasoline and contains lead, which improves engine performance. However, it is expensive compared to jet fuel.
- Avgas UL94: This is an unleaded variant of Avgas, designed to be environmentally friendly by reducing harmful emissions. It is used in some newer piston-engine aircraft.
3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- SAF is a newer, eco-friendly fuel made from renewable sources like vegetable oil, agricultural residues, or municipal waste. It can be blended with regular jet fuel and is part of the industry’s effort to reduce carbon emissions. Although promising, SAF is currently more expensive than conventional jet fuel.
4. Other Experimental & Alternative Fuels
- Airlines and researchers are developing hydrogen and electric-powered airplanes, but they are still progressing and have not yet widely adopted them for commercial use.
Aviation Fuel Prices in Major Indian Cities (As of 2024)
Here’s a comprehensive overview of aviation fuel prices across major Indian cities:
| City | ATF Price (₹ per Kilolitre) |
| Delhi | ₹87,597 |
| Mumbai | ₹81,866 |
| Kolkata | ₹90,610 |
| Chennai | ₹90,964 |
Note: These rates are subject to change with respect to production costs and changes in economy
Aviation Fuel Prices in Smaller Regional Airports
Discover how aviation fuel prices at smaller regional airports compare to larger hubs, impacting local air travel and accessibility.
| City | Price (₹ per Kilolitre) |
| Chandigarh | ₹88,500 – ₹91,000 |
| Bhubaneswar | ₹89,000 – ₹92,000 |
| Ranchi | ₹88,000 – ₹90,500 |
| Lucknow | ₹89,500 – ₹91,500 |
Note: These rates are subject to change with respect to production costs and changes in economy
Global Jet Fuel Prices
Global jet fuel prices refer to the average costs of jet fuel across various countries and regions, influenced by factors such as crude oil prices, supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and currency fluctuations.
| Region | Jet Fuel Price (₹ per litre) |
| U.S. and Europe | ₹80 – ₹120 |
| Global average (per gallon) | $2 – $5 |
Fuel Types & Their Average Costs
Let us see the different types of aviation fuel used in the industry, including Jet A, Jet A-1, and Avgas, along with their average costs:
| Fuel Type | Average Cost (₹ per litre) |
| Jet A1 Fuel (India) | ₹90 |
| Jet A1 Fuel (Global) | ₹80 – ₹120 |
| Avgas (India) | ₹100 – ₹140 |
| Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | ₹200 – ₹250 |
Octane Ratings in Aeroplane Fuel Types
Octane ratings play a crucial role in determining the performance and efficiency of aircraft engines. Understanding the octane ratings of various aeroplane fuel types helps ensure optimal engine operation and safety in flight.
1. Avgas (Aviation Gasoline):
- Avgas is used primarily in piston-engine aircraft (small planes).
- The octane rating for Avgas 100LL is 100, making it a high-octane fuel designed for high-compression piston engines. The “LL” stands for “Low Lead,” meaning it contains reduced lead content compared to older Avgas varian
2. Jet Fuel (Jet A and Jet A1):
- Jet fuel is used in jet engines and does not have an octane rating because jet engines are designed to run on kerosene-based fuels.
- Instead of octane, jet fuels are characterized by their freezing point and energy density. For instance, Jet A1 has a freezing point of -47°C, making it suitable for high-altitude commercial flights.
Color Coding of Aeroplane Fuels
Using fuel color coding prevents accidental filling of an aircraft or vehicle with the wrong type of fuel, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
| Fuel Type | Color | Use |
| Avgas 100LL | Blue | For piston-engine aircraft; used in small airplanes |
| Avgas 100 | Green | High-octane aviation gasoline with lead, used for older planes |
| Avgas 82UL | Purple | Unleaded fuel for lower-performance engines used for light sport aircraft . |
| Jet A / Jet A1 | Clear or Straw-colored | For jet engines in commercial airplanes used for commercial airliners, cargo planes, and business jets |
- Avgas 100LL (blue): The most widely used fuel in piston-engine planes, with a 100-octane rating.
- Avgas 100 (green): Used less frequently, but with a similar 100-octane rating as 100LL.
- Jet A1 (clear/straw): Kerosene-based, commonly used in jet-powered aeroplanes, and does not use octane ratings.
Visual Representation of Fuel Colors
Here’s a table to visually represent the fuel colours:
| Fuel Type | Color Code | Purpose |
| Avgas 100LL | Blue | Piston engines, high compression |
| Avgas 100 | Green | Older piston-engine aircraft |
| Avgas 82UL | Purple | Unleaded fuel for low-performance engines |
| Jet A / Jet A1 | Clear | Jet engines, commercial and cargo flights |
Octane Ratings and Importance Of Color Coding
1. Prevention of Misfuelling
Using the wrong fuel type can cause severe engine damage. Using Jet A1 in a piston-engine aircraft can cause engine failure because these engines are designed to run on gasoline-based fuels like Avgas.
2. Performance
High-performance piston-engine aircraft require high-octane fuels (e.g., Avgas 100LL) to avoid knocking and achieve optimal power output.
3. Safety
Color coding ensures that users select the correct fuel, especially in multi-fuel environments like airfields where both piston and jet-powered planes operate.
Types of Fuel Deposits in Aeroplanes
Fuel deposits in aeroplanes refer to the buildup of unwanted materials in the fuel system, which can affect the performance and safety of an aircraft. Over time, these deposits can occur in various components of the fuel system, such as filters, fuel lines, fuel tanks, and injectors.
Here’s a breakdown of the major types of fuel deposits in aeroplanes:
1. Gum Deposits
They are sticky substances that can form in the aircraft’s fuel system over time. The oxidation and degradation of aviation fuel, especially when the fuel sits in tanks or lines for long periods without use, create these deposits.
- Impact: They can clog fuel injectors and reduce fuel efficiency. In extreme cases, gum deposits can lead to engine failure by disrupting the flow of fuel.
- Prevention: Using high-quality aviation fuel and regularly inspecting the fuel system can help reduce gum buildup.
2. Carbon Deposits
Incomplete combustion of fuel, often due to improper fuel-air mixtures or faulty injectors, forms carbon deposits.
- Impact: These deposits tend to form in the combustion chamber, on valves, and around fuel injectors. Over time, they reduce engine efficiency and can lead to power loss.
- Prevention: Regular cleaning of injectors and tuning of the engine can help mitigate carbon buildup.
3. Ice Crystals
Ice can form in the fuel system at high altitudes where temperatures are extremely low. Water in the fuel can freeze and form ice crystals, leading to blockages.
- Impact: Ice crystals can clog fuel lines and filters, potentially disrupting fuel flow to the engine.
- Prevention: Anti-icing agents are often added to aviation fuel to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
4. Microbial Growth (Fungal/Bacterial Deposits)
Microbial growth occurs in the interface between water and fuel in the fuel tank. These microorganisms feed on hydrocarbons in the fuel and produce by-products that can clog filters and damage the fuel system.
- Impact: Microbial growth leads to fuel contamination, which can corrode fuel tanks and clog filters
- Prevention: Proper fuel storage, regular inspections, and the use of biocides (additives that prevent microbial growth) are essential to prevent these deposits from forming.
5. Sulfate Deposits
The presence of sulfur in the fuel forms these deposits, which can combine with other elements to create sulfate compounds that accumulate in fuel injectors and combustion chambers.
- Impact: Sulfate deposits can cause fuel injector clogging and reduce combustion efficiency.
- Prevention: Using low-sulfur aviation fuels can help reduce sulfate deposit formation.
6. Wax Deposits
At low temperatures, certain components in aviation fuel, particularly paraffin-based fuels, can form wax deposits.
- Impact: Wax deposits can clog fuel lines and filters, especially at high altitudes where temperatures drop significantly.
- Prevention: Fuels with anti-waxing additives are used in cold climates to prevent wax crystallization.
Composition of Airplane Fuel
Several components make up airplane fuel, specifically Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) like Jet A1, to ensure efficient combustion, safety, and engine performance under the unique conditions of flight. The key constituents of airplane fuel are:
| Component | Purpose |
| Hydrocarbons | Provide energy for combustion and propulsion. |
| Anti-icing agents | Prevent ice formation in cold altitudes. |
| Antioxidants | Prevent gum deposits during storage. |
| Corrosion inhibitors | Protect the fuel system from rust and corrosion. |
| Antistatic agents | Reduce static electricity buildup for safety. |
| Metal deactivators | Neutralize metal ions to prevent fuel degradation. |
Also Read: Top Petrol Pump Companies In India
Conclusion
Aeroplanes use highly specialized fuel to ensure safety, performance, and efficiency during flights. From Jet A1 fuel to newer, eco-friendly options like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aviation fuels are crucial to the operation of airplanes. Understanding the intricacies of aviation fuel price, the types of fuel used, and how much a plane consumes gives insight into why air travel costs fluctuate and how innovations in fuel technology continue to evolve the aviation industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Type of Fuel is used in Airplanes?
A. Airplanes primarily use aviation fuel, such as jet fuel or avgas, depending on the engine type.
Q. Which Fuel is used in a Jet Aeroplane?
A. Jet airplanes use Jet-A or Jet-A1 fuel, which is a type of kerosene.
Q. Is Petrol used in Aeroplane?
A. No, airlines do not use petrol in large commercial airplanes; smaller aircraft may use avgas.
Q. Which Fuel is used in Aeroplane and helicopters?
A. Airplanes and helicopters use Jet-A or Jet-A1 fuel for turbine engines, while piston-engine helicopters and planes use avgas.
Q. How is jet fuel different from gasoline?
A. Jet fuel has a higher flash point and energy density compared to gasoline, making it more stable and efficient for aviation engines.
Q. Why is kerosene used in jet engines?
A. People use kerosene because it is less flammable, cheaper, and performs better in high-altitude conditions.
Q. What is aviation gasoline (Avgas)?
A.Avgas is a high-octane fuel used in piston-engine aircraft and small planes.
Q. How much fuel does a plane use per hour?
A. A typical commercial airplane consumes about 2,500 to 3,500 liters of fuel per hour, depending on the size and model.
Q. How is aviation fuel stored and transported?
A. Fuel companies store aviation fuel in underground tanks and transport it by fuel trucks or through pipelines to airports.
Q. Can jet fuel freeze at high altitudes?
A. Yes, jet fuel can freeze, but Jet-A1 fuel has a freezing point of -47°C, which prevents freezing at typical cruising altitudes.
