EU agency opens door to using US jet fuel

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has today cleared the way for the possible use of US jet fuel in the bloc, which is seeking ways to confront the threat of shortages due to the Middle East war.

Jet A, a US-produced type of aviation fuel, is not currently used in Europe which along with much of the rest of the world operates on a fuel called Jet A-1.

In new recommendations, EASA said: "A potential introduction of Jet A in Europe or in other parts of the world would not generate safety concerns provided that its introduction is properly managed."

The US-Israeli war against Iran has seen the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and sent aviation fuel prices soaring amid a global energy shock.

Many airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, have already announced flight cancellations, and some have called on the EU to allow temporary fuel exemptions.

Jet A has a higher freezing point than Jet A-1 - which makes it less resistant to very low temperatures during long-haul flights.

The agency conditioned its use, however, warning that its introduction into a system historically operating on Jet A-1 could introduce "operational" risks when both fuels are used.