What fuel does the plane use?
With the rapid development of the aviation industry, the types and properties of aircraft fuel have become the focus of public attention. This article will introduce in detail the fuel types and characteristics used by aircraft as well as related hot topics to help readers have a comprehensive understanding of this field.
1. Main types of aircraft fuel

Aircraft fuel is mainly divided into two categories: aviation kerosene and aviation gasoline. Here is their detailed comparison:
| Fuel type | Applicable models | Main ingredients | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation kerosene (Jet A/A-1) | commercial jet aircraft | hydrocarbons | High flash point, low freezing point, strong stability |
| Avgas | small piston engine aircraft | Alkanes, alkenes | High octane number, easy to evaporate |
2. Detailed classification of aviation kerosene
Aviation kerosene is the main fuel for commercial aircraft and can be divided into the following types according to international standards:
| Type | Applicable areas | Flash point (℃) | Freezing point (℃) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet A | USA | >38 | -40 |
| Jet A-1 | Universal | >38 | -47 |
| Jet B | Extremely cold areas | >-18 | -60 |
3. Hot Topics of Aircraft Fuel
Recently, discussions about aircraft fuel have mainly focused on the following aspects:
1.Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF): With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, SAF has become a hot topic in the aviation industry. The fuel is made from biomass or waste and can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.
2.Hydrogen fuel aircraft: Many airlines are developing hydrogen-fueled aircraft and are expected to achieve commercial operation within the next decade.
3.fuel price fluctuations: Affected by the international situation, aviation kerosene prices have risen sharply recently, putting pressure on airline operating costs.
4. Future development trends of aircraft fuel
In the future, aircraft fuel will develop in a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction:
| Trend | Description | Estimated implementation time |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity of SAF | Increase the proportion of biofuels to 50% | 2050 |
| electric airplane | Use of pure electric aircraft on short-haul routes | 2030 |
| Hydrogen aircraft | Long-distance routes using liquid hydrogen fuel | 2040 |
5. Summary
Aircraft fuel is a core component of the aviation industry, currently dominated by aviation kerosene, but will gradually transition to sustainable energy in the future. With the advancement of technology, environmentally friendly fuels will become mainstream and provide support for the green development of the global aviation industry.
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