Jet fuel comes in two general types. Jet-A1 is the most common, a paraffin kerosene oil based fuel that is internationally standardized. Jet-B is a naphtha kerosene based fuel, which is lighter and more dangerous to handle. Both types are mixtures of upwards of 1,000 additives such as antioxidants, anti-static agents, corrosion inhibitors, etc. The military has a JP numbering system to differentiate between different types of fuel.

When shopping for jet fuel, like with any other commodity, you want to find the lowest price available. The following steps will help make your purchase as cost effective as possible:

1. Learn more about the types and uses of various jet fuels.

2. Search for a broker to buy jet fuel internationally.

3. Fill up your jet at a local fuel distributor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become familiar with the various types of jet fuels, additives and their applications

Learn more about the various types of aviation fuel and the additives that are commonly used for resisting corrosion, inhibiting bacteria and other factors.

I recommend: JetFuel has a concise summary of what jet fuel is, the common types that exist, the additives that are used and some information about the chemical makeup of jet fuel. Sprague Energy provides a Material Safety Data Sheet, which provides the jet fuel information required to enable handlers of jet fuel to work safely, as jet fuel is a very flammable substance.

Seek the help of a broker that can quickly find competitive jet fuel prices

Although brokers charge a commission, they are well connected and have up-to-date information on jet fuel cost and availability from numerous aviation fuel suppliers around the world. It can be much less of a headache to ask a broker for the current best deal on jet fuel than to search yourself.

I recommend: NAMC Worldwide is an investment banking company, which also brokers the buying and selling of large quantities of jet fuel 54. They have business relationships with a number of jet fuel 54 suppliers around the world. Petrofinder has a website at which you can select a type of fuel and then compare prices between many suppliers.

Search listings of sellers, transporters and manufacturers of jet fuel

Find jet fuel online through resources that enable you to locate sellers, refiners and companies that will transport aircraft jet engine fuel to your business location.

I recommend: TradeBoss provides a listing of companies that make, sell, or will transport aircraft jet fuel to your location. EC21 lists sellers and seller mandates of jet fuels of many different types from around the world. AIRBase One provides an online look up of Aviation/Jet fuel by Airport ID.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Despite efforts at international standardization, there remain differences in minimum standards of quality. As a partial solution, quote your required specifications against either the British Ministry of Defense (ASTM) or against International Air Transportation Assn. (IATA) guidelines. Even then additives are not that well defined, but it helps.

Anyone on the tarmac knows that when it comes to aviation fuel, there's some serious competition among fixed bases of operations (FBOs). As an FBO owner, it's your job to find a jet fuel supplier that can provide you with a product that others want at a price that keeps you in the running. Once you get those two things, you should be flying high.

When you're looking for a good jet-fuel distributor, there are a few things that you need to consider before picking one brand name. These could include:

1. Price for various different grades of jet fuel

2. Wholesale jet fuel cost

3. Each aviation fuel supplier's resources

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare jet fuel prices to get the best deal

The price of fuel is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an aviation fuel vendor. Many of your customers will seek out the cheapest fuel on the runway, and if you can't get a good price from the supplier, then you've already lost customers.

I recommend: Get price quotes from several aviation fuel suppliers. Begin by getting prices from some of the biggest names in aviation fuel, such as Texaco. Then compare them to the going rate posted on the International Air Transport Association's website to see how they stack up. Always ask about wholesale discounts and find out exactly how much fuel qualifies you for such a discount. If you run a small FBO, you may never buy enough to get your jet fuel wholesale.

Check out the perks and equipment for jet fuel systems

Once you have a few price contenders, it's time to look further into what each fuel supplier has to offer. You need someone who can deliver fuel day or night so that you never run out, and can provide fuel trucks and equipment to get the job done. Having a leased fuel truck can save you thousands over having to buy new, so do your homework before committing.

I recommend: Read the fine print and see how each fuel supplier stacks up against the others. Avfuel, for instance, has an Avlease program that lets you lease your fuel trucks so that you don't have to worry about maintenance and upkeep. Chevron has innovative ways to take fuel samples and keep the quality of your fuel high, which can save you money in the long run and help you keep your customer base.

Pick an aviation fuel supplier that works for you

Another major thing to consider when comparing jet fuel distributors is each brand name's marketing tactics. You'll find that many companies and fleets have strong brand loyalty and will go out of their way to use the same type of fuel no matter where they land. Corporate credit cards are just one way that a fuel distributor can help you get a larger customer base, so it's important to look into this segment of the distributor's business plan.

I recommend: Check out each company's credit card program to find the best one for your needs. Air BP, for example, is one of the most well-known aviation fuel companies in the world, thanks to a good marketing campaign. Phillips 66 is another company that helps match up its customers with your FBO when they're in town.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When choosing which aircraft/jet fuel to provide, pay attention to what's already on the runway. If there are already three Air BP vendors, you may be better off going with someone else to pull in a different client base.

The benefits of learning all about aircraft jet fuel to jet fuel hydrogen are endless; jet fuel education and training will help aviation professionals reach new heights. Airlines run, literally, on jet engine fuel. The field of jet fuel management is very specialized and there is a lot to know - from jet fuel prices, safety, systems and jet fuel suppliers. Jet fuel education and training can make you more knowledgeable as well as more efficient on the job.

A good jet fuel manager knows how to reduce costs buy purchasing jet fuel wholesale or by developing relationships with aviation fuel suppliers. Knowing the jet fuel market is key to achieving success in the aviation industry.

Consider the following when looking for jet fuel information to further your jet fuel education and training:

1. Knowing the safety issues surrounding the jet fuel industry is essential to a jet fuel manager.

2. Anyone that will be working with, or even near, jet fuel should become versed in jet fuel systems and all related jet fuel information.

3. Professional aviation organizations will allow you an opportunity to network with others in the jet fuel business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take classes on jet engine fuel safety

Working with fuel of any kind incurs specific risks and dangers. In order to protect yourself and your fellow co-workers, as well as travelers, it is important to learn about safety and the precautions that should be taken when working around jet fuel systems. Specific safety courses are offered for professionals in the jet fuel business.

I recommend: Paine Field describes its aviation fuel safety training and education classes. Noverant Aviation also offers a jet fuel safety and inspection course ideal for fuel handlers and supervisors.

Enroll in jet fuel management courses

Fuel management positions can include fuel purchasing managers, operation crew members on the ground, jet fuel suppliers and distributors, and fuel analysts. Aviation companies and associations offer specialized training in the costs and production process of jet fuel. These classes are ideal for employees new to aviation or those who are changing positions within an airline.

I recommend: The International Air Transport Association offers a fuel management course to help fuel operators and suppliers better understand what impacts the fuel market. Armbrust Aviation Group offers training that pinpoints how jet fuel is produced and sold.

Join professional organizations to learn more about jet fuel

Who better to learn from than others within your field? Several organizations exist that are dedicated to aviation and every aspect of the diverse and evolving industry. These organizations hold annual meetings and seminars for their members allowing you to continuously learn about jet fuel and provide you with all of the resources to do so.

I recommend: The International Business Aviation Council describes its mission and the publications and meetings they hold for its members. Consider joining your home state's association like the Idaho Aviation Association.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because there is no certification required for this field, discuss opportunities for professional growth with your current or future employer. You may be afforded the opportunity to learn about jet fuel on the job alongside one of your co-workers.

Whether you want to use a jet in your business or you plan to work in a field related to aviation, you're probably going to need to know jet fuel key terms. Jet fuel differs from other types of fuels like aviation gas, also called avgas, and gasoline used in automobiles, also called mogas. Understanding some of the industry-specific terms dealing with the jet fuel industry will help you make educated and informed decisions when buying jet fuel.
Knowing the difference between types of jet fuel, such as Jet A-1 and Jet B, and finding out the difference in jet fuel will help you learn some key terms surrounding the jet fuel industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Jet engines

Jet engines use a different type of fuel, known as jet fuel, than other engines, because they work differently than piston engines. They have air compressors and turbines.

I recommend: Visit the website for NASA, which defines jet engines and explains how they work. You can also watch the online video that illustrates how jet engines work.

Hydrocarbons

Jet fuels, regardless of their type, contain different hydrocarbon combinations. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen only.

I recommend: Georgia State University has a basic definition of hydrocarbons on its website. The site also has diagrams of hydrocarbons, an essential element in jet fuel.

Jet A-1, Avtur

Jet fuels come in different grades one of which is Jet A-1, also known as Avtur. This is an unleaded type of jet fuel.

I recommend: To learn more about Jet A-1, visit the jet fuel glossary at the Computer Support Group. It offers a variety of terms relevant to the industry.

Kerosene

Kerosene, also called coal oil, is another type of fuel that you can use in some jet engines. Kerosene is similar to Avtur, or Jet A-1.

I recommend: G&S Mechanical explains the differences between jet fuel and kerosene on its website.

Jet B

Jet B fuel is a naptha-based type of jet fuel. Manufacturers don't use Jet B as widely as Jet A-1.

I recommend: Visit JetFuel.org, which discusses Jet B and its appropriate uses, to learn more about this type of fuel.

Jet fuel additives

Jet fuel additives can improve a jet engine's performance or reduce maintenance intervals.

I recommend: GE makes jet fuel additives, explains what they are and discusses what they can do on its website.