What fuel does the plane use?
In the field of modern aviation, fuel is one of the core energy sources for aircraft operation. Understanding the types of fuel used by aircraft and their characteristics will not only help the public understand aviation technology, but also provide reference for related industries. This article will analyze the types, composition, application scenarios and recent hot topics of aircraft fuel, and display key information through structured data.
1. Main types of aircraft fuel

Aircraft fuel is mainly divided into two categories:Jet FuelandAvGas. Among them, aviation kerosene is the mainstream choice for commercial aviation, while aviation gasoline is mainly used in small piston engine aircraft. Here is a comparison of the two fuels:
| Fuel type | Main ingredients | Applicable models | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation kerosene (Jet A/Jet A-1) | Hydrocarbons (C12-C15) | Jetliners, military aircraft | High flash point, low freezing point, high calorific value |
| Aviation gasoline (AvGas 100LL) | Alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons (lead additives) | small piston engine aircraft | High octane number, easy to evaporate |
2. Subdivisions of aviation kerosene
Aviation kerosene is divided into various types according to international standards, and the types used in different regions vary slightly. The following is a performance comparison of common aviation kerosene:
| Model | freezing point | flash point | Main areas of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A | -40°C | 38°C | USA |
| Jet A-1 | -47°C | 38°C | Worldwide (except the United States) |
| Jet B | -60°C | 20°C | Extremely cold areas (such as northern Canada) |
3. Recent hot topics: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
As environmental issues heat up,Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)It has become one of the hot spots in the past 10 days. SAF is made from biomass, waste or synthetic fuels and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. The following are recent relevant developments:
| time | event | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2023 | EU passes mandatory SAF usage proportionality bill in 2030 | european parliament |
| November 8, 2023 | Boeing signs SAF purchase agreements with multiple airlines | Boeing, United Airlines, Lufthansa |
| November 12, 2023 | China's first SAF production line goes into operation in Jiangsu | Sinopec |
4. Future development trends of aircraft fuel
The future development of aviation fuel will revolve aroundEnvironmentally friendlyandEfficientTwo major themes unfold:
1.Popularity of SAF: It is expected that by 2030, global SAF production capacity will increase to 5 million tons/year.
2.Hydrogen aircraft: Airbus and other companies have launched hydrogen fuel engine testing projects.
3.Electrification exploration: Short-distance electric aircraft may become a new option for regional aviation.
Summary
The technological evolution of aircraft fuel is closely related to environmental protection needs. From traditional aviation kerosene to SAF, the industry is accelerating its transition to low-carbonization. The public can gain an in-depth understanding of the development in this field by paying attention to fuel types, policy trends and corporate dynamics.
check the details
check the details