HCAA SIAN 01-2026- Aviation Turbine Fuel – use of Jet A Grade Fuel in a Jet A-1 Environment

Is addressed to:

• aviation fuel suppliers and producers,
• organisations involved in storing and dispensing of aviation fuel at aerodromes,
• aircraft operators,
• aerodrome operators

Briefing:

Recipients must ensure that this notice is communicated to all members of their staff who need to take appropriate action or who may be interested in the contents of the notice.

DESCRIPTION

This SIAN is issued following EASA SIB 2026-04 issued on 08 May 2026

Due to recent events in the global aviation fuel supply chains, availability of aviation turbine jet fuel of Jet A‑1 fuel grade (hereafter referred to as “Jet A-1”) on certain markets might be constrained.

Aviation and fuel supply stakeholders are reviewing the feasibility of introducing aviation turbine jet fuel of Jet A grade (hereafter referred to as “Jet A”) at locations traditionally supplied with Jet A‑1.

The jet A-1 fuel is under Def Stan 91-091 standard and JET-A is according ASTM D1655 standard.

The main differences between two Grades of fuel are:

• The freezing point (Jet A has higher freezing point compared with Jet A-1) and
• The  electrical conductivity (Jet A has lower conductivity compared with Jet A-1, which is blended with Static Anticipator Additive (SDA))

The introduction of Jet A into a system historically operating on Jet A-1 may introduce operational, airworthiness and human factor risks, particularly when both grades are accepted for use. These risks relate to:

• Differences in fuel properties (in particular reduced freezing point margins of Jet A compared to Jet A-1 and lower electrical conductivity);
• Air operators change management for the transition from Jet A-1 to Jet A operations;
• Fuel handling controls for aerodromes and ground handling organisations;
• Aerodrome change management, in particular communication between ground handling organisations and air operators to prevent incorrect fuel grade information being provided to, or assumed by, air operators.
• Differences between Def Stan 91-091 and ASTM D1655 quality assurance frameworks, including product integrity management, certification, traceability, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending provisions

The introduction of ASTM D1655 Jet A into a Def Stan 91-091 Jet A-1 environment requires coordination among fuel suppliers, aircraft refueling operators, airport operators and air operators.

To ensure consistency, fragmented and site-specific agreements should be avoided.

Based on the information available to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) to date, regarding the aviation fuel distributed in Greece, it appears that JET A Grade aviation fuel is not distributed within the Hellenic Territory, as the JET A-1 Grade aviation fuel produced by domestic refineries is sufficient to meet the demand at Greek airports.

Aviation fuel suppliers must provide immediate notification to the HCAA, aircraft refueling operators, and aerodrome operators. Furthermore, fuel suppliers and aerodrome operators must ensure that all aircraft operators are formally notified through their respective channels.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The attached EASA SIB contains recommendations for the following:

• Fuel supplier and producers of Aviation fuel

• Aerodrome operators
• Organisations involved in storing and dispensing of aviation fuel
• Aircraft operators

REPORTING

Any occurrence and safety-relevant information related to fuel quality, handling, and use shall be reported to HCAA via EU aviation safety reporting system (ECCAIRS2 platform).

Thank you for promoting safety