Is the special fuel used to refuel aircraft.
Aviation fuel
Types of aviation fuels
1. Jet A-1: The world's most commonly used jet fuel for commercial aircraft. It is designed for operation at low temperatures down to -47 °C and offers a high energy density.
2. Jet A: Common in the USA, similar to Jet A-1, but not optimized for extremely low temperatures.
3. avgas (aviation gasoline): This leaded fuel is used for piston aircraft engines in smaller propeller-driven aircraft and is very different from kerosene as it has a higher octane rating for the power required in smaller engines.
4. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): A modern development that comes from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste or synthetic processes. SAF can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene and is often used as a blend to reduce aviation emissions.
Requirements and properties
Aviation fuels must meet strict quality and safety standards, as they must function reliably in extreme conditions:
Cold resistance: aviation fuels are formulated to not freeze or flocculate even at very low temperatures, which typically occur at cruising altitudes.
Energy density: High energy content is critical to maximize aircraft performance and range while minimizing fuel weight.
Stability and purity: Aviation fuel must have high chemical stability to burn safely and efficiently over long storage periods.
Ultra-low carbon fuels are particularly attractive for sectors that are currently difficult to electrify:
Environmental aspects and challenges
Aviation fuel is one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions in aviation and contributes to global warming and air pollution. Current challenges include:
CO₂ emissions: The combustion process of kerosene releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, which has a major impact on aviation's carbon footprint.
Pollutants and particulate matter: In addition to CO₂, aircraft also emit nitrogen oxides and soot particles, which also have a negative impact on the environment.
Alternatives to fossil fuels: The development and scaling of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and future synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are seen as important steps towards the decarbonization of aviation.
The future of aviation fuel
Fuel manufacturers are working intensively on alternatives to conventional kerosene in order to improve the aviation industry's carbon footprint. These include
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): SAFs are used as an additive to conventional kerosene and are intended to gradually reduce emissions without the need to adapt aircraft engines.
Synthetic fuels (e-fuels), specifically for aviation (e-SAF): e-SAF is produced by combining green hydrogen and recycled CO₂ and is almost CO₂-neutral.
Electric and hydrogen propulsion: Electric propulsion and hydrogen propulsion could play a role for short- and medium-haul aircraft. However, these technologies are still in the development phase and are technically challenging for long-haul aircraft.