Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Aviation fuel
Many people find buying aviation gasoline to be intimidating but learning the specifics of aviation jet fuel makes the procedure much simpler.
When arranging to purchase jet fuel, business jet operators should keep a number of factors in mind, including the delivery tickets, taxes, the method of payments, and more. Being aware of the key components of buying aviation gasoline enables you to be ready for unforeseen delays, difficulties, and costs.
What is Jet Fuel?
Jet engines are propelled by jet fuel. This highly refined kind of diesel, often known as aviation turbine fuel or aviation turbine fuel (AVTUR), is ignited by heat and pressure. Jet fuel comes in a wide variety of specialized forms, from JET A-1, which is made for passenger jets, to JET F-34/JP-8, which is made for military aircraft. Each has unique characteristics, such as varying freezing points, octane levels, and additives.
What is Aviation Fuel?
Aviation fuel is a term often used interchangeably with jet fuel but can also refer to aviation–grade gasoline used in general aviation such as in piston propeller engines, microlights, and sports aircraft. This spark-ignited fuel, also known as AVGAS, has a far lower flashpoint than jet fuel and a significantly higher-octane rating than gasoline used in road cars.
In What Hydrocarbons Does Aviation Fuel Consist Of?
Long chains of hydrocarbons that are produced throughout the refining process makeup aviation fuel. It is quite challenging to pinpoint exactly which hydrocarbons are utilized in aviation fuel because the composition changes greatly depending on the petroleum source.
What’s the Difference Between Aviation Fuels and Petrol?
Simply put, the main distinctions between aviation fuel and gasoline are that the former is purer and the latter contains a variety of hydrocarbons. For instance, temperatures can plummet to about -40 C when a plane is in the air. Automotive gasoline would freeze at this temperature, but since jet fuel is a kind of kerosene with a significantly lower freezing point, it doesn’t.
Additionally, while performance-improving additives like those used to improve fuel performance are included in both AVGAS and normal gasoline, others, such as metal deactivators, gum inhibitors, and static dissipaters, are exclusively present in aviation fuel.
What kinds of Jet and Piston Engine Aircraft Fuels are Used?
There are aviation fuels for a variety of aircraft:
- AVGAS UL91 is a colorless, unleaded, and environmentally friendly piston engine gasoline that is made for sports and general aviation aircraft.
- AVGAS 100LL is a premium, low-lead aviation gasoline for piston engines that are used for more strenuous flying maneuvers like aerobatics.
- JET A-1 is the most used fuel for jet turbine engines in the world. It can also be used in general aviation diesel aircraft.
- A military-grade turbine engine fuel called JET F-34/JP-8 is intended for use in aircraft and helicopters without fuel system warmers.
What About Sustainable Jet Fuel (SAF) !!
SAF, commonly referred to as sustainable aviation fuel, is the most efficient form of green fuel. It is a greener option for jet fuel than the standard ones. Almost any waste item might be converted into sustainable aviation fuel, including:
- Plants can grow in salt water, for instance, the type of plant known as halophytes.
- Used cooking oil.
- grass, tree branches, and worn clothing are examples of solid waste.
- Food waste and bottles that can’t be recycled.
What Sets (SAF) Apart From Other Fuels?
In order to maintain an ecological balance and prevent the loss of natural resources, it can be resourced in a way that is consistent with socioeconomic and environmental goals. Utilizing SAF can reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint compared to using commercial jet fuel; as a result, it is extremely important to achieve the environmental and sustainability goals of the aviation sector.
We bring you the list of crucial steps to cover when planning the purchase of aviation jet fuel !!
Step 1- Understanding the Requirements of your Aircraft
There are two aircraft fuels widely used by jet operators worldwide, Jet fuel and Avgas.
AVGAS (short for aviation gasoline), also known as aviation spirit in the UK, is used mainly for smaller turboprop aircraft. It drives the piston engines which use the rotation of their propellers to generate the lift. There are types of AVGAS too, for instance, AVGAS UL91, which is considered more environment-friendly than AVGAS 100LL.
Jet fuel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or AVTUR, on the other hand, is designed for use in aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines. The two most widely used Jet fuels are Jet A and Jet A-1. Few Gas-turbine engines can also run-on AVGAS, but it is best avoided and should be used only if there is a shortage of Jet fuel.
Step 2- Book your Aviation Fuel in Advance
A practice used widely by aircraft operators is planning for your jet fuel in advance, it helps you to compare prices, make arrangements if there is a jet fuel shortage at your arrival destination, and ensure quick and efficient handling on the ground. Always tell your third-party provider changes in your schedule, to avoid delays and additional charges.
Step 3- Are you aware of the Additional Taxes and Fees?
There is a high possibility that the amount quoted to you for aviation fuel, may or may not include the extra taxes and fees. Thus, asking for the full amount to be quoted beforehand, is always beneficial to managing your finances. In some airports, regional fuel suppliers charge higher taxes. To get the best deal on jet fuels, it is always recommended to go through a reliable flight support provider, who will provide you with the invoice matching the quoted amount.
Step 4- Check the Fine Prints in the Quote
Cancellation cost, overtime- fees applicability, and so on. Check the fine prints to ensure there aren’t any hidden fees or costs involved.
Step 5- Deciding the Mode of Payment
The mode of payment used for your aviation fuel services can affect your overall amount. Paying with a credit card implies additional costs like surcharges while paying with cash is highly inconvenient and exempts you from any discount available. Go through a trusted flight support provider, who offers you jet fuel services on a credit basis.
Step 6- Make sure to Present All the Required Documents
Prior to the fueling, show all the relevant documents, and note them on the delivery ticket, to ensure that billing is accurate.
Step 7- Check the Delivery Ticket Thoroughly
When your aircraft has been fueled with the required jet fuel, the pilot will be given a delivery ticket by the into-plane fuel supplier. You should encourage your pilot to sign the delivery ticket only after he has read the ticket carefully. This is to ensure that the quantity of the fuel, along with all the mentioned details are correct.
The Price of Jet Fuel – Are you Overpaying?
Using a reseller to purchase aviation fuel is the best option. Always make a plan for the provision of aviation fuel. Similar to that, looking for a reliable reseller is usually advantageous. we go over a few things to consider while buying aviation fuel.
Transparency in Invoice
Many aviation fuel resellers quote a price without adding the hidden charges, with the invoice having an amount much larger than the initial quoted aviation fuel price. Select a reseller who provides you with the full amount, adding the various taxes, price validity, fees, and customs duty, offering you 100% transparency on your jet fuel services.
Contracts with Jet Fuel Suppliers worldwide
Choose a reseller who has a strong network and contracts with international, regional, and local fuel suppliers worldwide, to offer you the best possible jet fuel price. The reseller should be able to compare the jet fuel prices among different sellers and ensure that the supplier is not swindling you.
Cash or cashless payment?
Is your reseller offering aviation fuel on a credit basis? Paying for aviation fuel by yourself can be tricky. Paying by cash is inconvenient and unsafe. While credit cards are not accepted everywhere, even if they are accepted the surcharges increase the overall amount. Thus, choose a reseller who makes the payment fuel for you, and charges you after the aviation fuel services have been delivered.
Discounts, VAT exemption, and more
Is your reseller offering you the best fuel option? Resellers are often eligible for discounts and can also reduce your VAT liability, by providing you a Value Added Tax (VAT) compliant invoice. Go for a reseller who is an expert in the field and had detailed knowledge of the rules and regulations of different airports to assist you to acquire the most cost-effective aviation fuel solution.
We Guarantee That your Flight Will Be Supported
iJET qualifies for all the above and offers all types of jet fuel to commercial, cargo, private, and military jet operators worldwide. Jet A, Avgas, Jet A-1 fuel, and more- our global network of major and local fuel suppliers ensure that we are well-equipped to refuel your aircraft at the best possible rate in the market.
Plan your jet fuel services early, ensure that all the required things are done, and you have a copy of the delivery ticket. To know more about aviation fuel and to enjoy hassle-free, efficient, and quick aviation fueling services in airports across the globe, contact us at [email protected]
