What Is the Fuel Used in Aeroplanes Called? – Types, Composition, and Cost Explained

A small plane sat on the runway, quiet and still. A technician popped open the fuel tank and peered in. “This is what makes it fly,” he said. A passenger nearby leaned over. “Wait… is that just regular gas?”

Not exactly. It’s a special kind of fuel made for planes. Different aircraft need different fuels, and every drop counts - for safety, for performance, and yes, for the price tag too. So why are there so many types, and why is it so expensive? Airplane fuel isn’t just liquid; it’s what keeps engines humming, planes in the air, and airlines running smoothly.
 

What Is Airplane Fuel?

When we say “airplane fuel,” we mean fuel made to power aircraft engines safely and efficiently. It’s not the same as petrol or diesel. There are two main types: jet fuel and aviation petrol, also called avgas.

Jet fuels like Jet A and Jet A-1 are mostly kerosene and are used in big commercial jets and many military planes. Avgas is high-octane petrol for smaller piston-engine planes like private planes or training aircraft.

Safety matters a lot. Aviation fuels are carefully controlled so engines perform reliably, whether freezing high in the sky or running hot inside a turbine. Knowing about these fuels also shows how complex every flight really is. Insurance companies, for example, study this to assess risks for pilots and aircraft owners.
 

Aeroplane Fuel Name/Types

Here’s a simple guide:

• Jet A and Jet A-1
  These are the workhorses for commercial and cargo planes. Jet A-1 is popular worldwide because it doesn’t freeze easily, which is important for long flights. Both burn efficiently to power jet engines.
• Jet B
  A mix of petrol and kerosene, Jet B stays liquid in very cold temperatures. It’s lighter in color, often called straw-colored, and mainly used in cold regions.
• Avgas
  This is for smaller piston-engine planes. It contains lead to help with combustion and comes in colors like blue (100LL) so it’s easy to tell apart from jet fuel.
• Diesel Aviation Fuel
  Mostly for smaller planes, aviation diesel offers good fuel economy. Some can even run on regular car diesel.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
  SAF is made from renewable resources and is meant to lower the carbon footprint of aviation. Airlines are using it more and more to make flying better for the environment.

The engine, the weather, and safety rules all affect the fuel. Each type tells a story about how flights are safe, quick, and now a little better for the environment.
 

Why is Petrol Not Used in Aeroplanes?

A lot of people ask why planes don't just use petrol like the cars we drive every day. The answer has to do with the very specific needs of aircraft engines and the special properties that aviation fuel must have to keep flights safe and efficient.

First of all, aircraft engines, especially those on commercial jets, are made to run on aviation-specific fuels like avgas or jet fuel, not regular petrol. These fuels are made to work well in very cold or very hot conditions, like when the engine is very hot or very cold. In these situations, petrol just doesn't work.

One big problem with petrol is that it freezes at a higher temperature. In the sky, temperatures get so low that petrol could freeze, which could cause serious problems with the engine. Jet A-1 and avgas are two types of aviation fuel that stay liquid even when it's very cold, which keeps the flight running smoothly.

Safety is another important reason. Because petrol has a lower flash point, it is more likely to catch fire by accident when you are handling it or refuelling. Aviation fuels have higher flash points, which makes it less likely that fires will start by accident.

Petrol also has impurities and additives that are bad for aeroplane engines. Over time, these can cause carbon buildup and other problems that can hurt performance and safety. Aviation petrol, on the other hand, is carefully refined to have fewer impurities, which helps engines run cleaner and last longer.

Finally, the octane rating is important. Aircraft fuels have higher octane ratings, which keeps engines from knocking. It is an important part of making sure the engine runs smoothly and reliably at high pressures and altitudes.

So, while petrol powers your car, planes rely on fuels tailor-made for the skies, designed with safety, efficiency, and engine longevity in mind.
 

Composition of Aeroplane Fuel

Aeroplane fuel is a sophisticated blend primarily made up of hydrocarbon compounds designed specifically for safe and efficient engine performance. The main components of jet fuels such as Jet A or Jet A-1 include:

• Paraffins (Alkanes): These straight or branched hydrocarbons have a high hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, delivering high energy and a clean burn.
• Cycloparaffins (Naphthenes): These cyclic hydrocarbons contribute to the fuel’s density and reduce freezing points.
• Aromatic Hydrocarbons: They provide good energy but are limited to low percentages (usually less than 25%) because they tend to produce smoke.
• Olefins: These unsaturated hydrocarbons are kept to a minimum due to their higher reactivity.

In addition to hydrocarbons, aviation fuels include additives to enhance properties such as antioxidants, anti-icing agents, corrosion inhibitors, lubricity improvers, and static dissipater additives which prevent static buildup during fuel handling.

Aviation gasoline (Avgas) used in piston-engine planes is also a hydrocarbon blend but formulated with lead additives to boost octane rating and prevent engine knocking. This precise chemical mix ensures that aeroplane fuel performs reliably in extreme temperature ranges and varying pressure conditions at high altitudes, a critical factor in flight safety and efficiency.
 

Cost of Aeroplane Fuel in India (2025)

The cost of aviation fuel is a significant factor impacting the airline industry and passengers alike. As of 2025, aviation fuel prices in major Indian cities are:

These prices reflect refining costs, global oil demand, taxation, and currency fluctuations. Aviation fuel accounts for around 40% of an airline’s operational expenses, playing a key role in ticket pricing and airline profitability.

Efforts are ongoing globally to develop and integrate more sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce environmental impact and possibly stabilize future costs by lessening reliance on crude oil.
 

Factors Affecting Aeroplanes' Fuel Prices

The price of aviation fuel is influenced by a mix of global and local factors. Here are some of the most important elements that determine how much airlines pay at the pump:

• Crude Oil Prices: Aviation fuel is refined from crude oil, so fluctuations in crude costs directly affect fuel prices. When global oil prices rise due to geopolitical tensions or supply cuts, jet fuel costs go up too.
• Refining and Production Costs: Producing aviation fuel requires complex refining processes and additive treatments. Higher production costs for better-quality fuel push prices upward.
• Demand and Supply: Airline industry growth, travel seasonality, and cargo demand all impact fuel consumption. High demand with constrained supply can cause prices to spike.
• Taxes and Duties: Government taxes, import duties, and environmental levies vary by country. In places like India, these can make up a significant portion of the cost.
• Currency Exchange Rates: Since oil trades globally in USD, fluctuations in the local currency against the dollar can make fuel more or less expensive locally.
• Logistics and Distribution: Transporting fuel to airports, especially remote ones, involves additional costs that factor into regional pricing.
• Regulations and Sustainability Measures: Emerging policies encouraging cleaner fuels or carbon offsetting can add costs but also drive innovation.

Taken together, these factors create a dynamic and sometimes volatile pricing environment that airlines must navigate carefully.
 

Environmental Effects of Various Aeroplanes' Fuel Types

The type of fuel airplanes use doesn’t just affect costs and performance - it also leaves a footprint on our planet.

• Jet A/Jet A-1 Fuel: These kerosene-based fuels emit significant amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Combustion also releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to ozone formation and global warming.
• Aviation Gasoline (Avgas): Besides CO2, avgas contains lead additives to prevent engine knocking. Lead is a toxic pollutant harmful to ecosystems and human health, which is why its aviation use is tightly controlled and being phased out.
• Diesel and Emerging Alternatives: Diesel used in aircraft engines tends to have similar emissions to kerosene but is less widely used. Alternative fuels, including biofuels and synthetic fuels, can cut carbon emissions by up to 80% over their lifecycle when sustainably sourced.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Made from renewable sources like plant oils or waste, SAF significantly reduces carbon footprints. Though currently limited in supply and more costly, SAF is key to the aviation industry's goal of net-zero emissions.

Environmental regulations and passenger awareness are pushing airlines to invest in cleaner fuel technologies, making sustainability a growing priority for the skies.
 

How Do Airplanes Refuel While Flying?

Ever wondered how some military and special-purpose planes stay airborne for hours, or even days? The answer is aerial refueling, a remarkable feat of precision and engineering.

Special tanker aircraft, such as the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus, carry extra fuel and can transfer it mid-flight to receiver aircraft through a flexible hose-and-drogue system or a flying boom. This process allows fighter jets, bombers, surveillance planes, and some transport aircraft to extend their missions without landing.

Aerial refueling demands expert coordination between pilots, maintaining close formation flying while fuel flows safely. It saves time, increases operational range, and enhances mission flexibility.

While it’s mostly a military and specialized operation today, researchers are also exploring ways to improve fuel efficiency broadly, including mid-air refueling concepts for future commercial aviation. For everyday flights, however, planes are fueled on the ground before takeoff, which is why managing fuel costs and quality at airports remains critical.
 

Wrapping Up

Understanding the fuel used in airplanes opens a fascinating window into the science and technology that keeps our skies safe and our journeys smooth. From powerful jets burning kerosene-based fuels like Jet A-1 to smaller planes relying on high-octane avgas, each type of fuel is carefully formulated to meet rigorous safety and performance demands. While aviation fuel prices fluctuate with global markets and environmental policies drive the shift toward sustainable aviation fuels, the core mission remains fueling flight with efficiency and responsibility.

At SMC Insurance, we appreciate how vital these fuels are not only to flying but to protecting the investments and livelihoods behind every aircraft. The sky’s the limit, quite literally, and knowing what powers the planes gives us all a richer view of air travel’s incredible journey.

Disclaimer: The content provided in our articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should not act solely on the information provided and are encouraged to seek professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances.