European airlines may be allowed to use US-grade jet fuel to ease potential shortages caused by the US-Israel war with Iran, the European Union and two major international airline bodies have suggested.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has suggested that wider international acceptance of US-grade jet fuel could help head off supply problems.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has drawn up safety guidance on how US supplies could be introduced into the European market, along with information on the risks involved.
Meanwhile, the EU has said there are no regulatory obstacles stopping European airlines from using US-grade fuel as long as it is done safely.
The price of jet fuel most European airlines currently use has jumped by half since the start of the war.
In a blog post, IATA's director of flight and technical operations, Stuart Fox, warned that if the conflict in the Middle East continues, it won't be long before fuel shortages appear in some parts of the world.
There are two main types of fuel used in commercial aviation: Jet A-1, the global standard for international operations, and Jet A, primarily used in North America. Both are forms of kerosene and essentially similar, but Jet A-1 has a lower freezing point, making it more flexible for long-haul and polar routes.
Since the crisis erupted, supplies of Jet A-1 from the Gulf region have slowed to a trickle, hitting Europe hard as it relies heavily on imports from the region. Increased shipments from the US have partly made up the shortfall, but many US refineries are not set up to produce Jet A-1.
Fox noted that airlines in North America use Jet A daily, even serving cold regions like Alaska, by using fuel additives and careful flight planning.
EASA issued a safety bulletin stating that introducing Jet A in Europe would not raise safety concerns if properly managed, but warned that without careful management, it could result in aircraft operating outside safe limits.
Later on Friday, the EU confirmed there is no regulatory obligation mandating either fuel grade and no obstacles to using Jet A imported to Europe, provided its use is properly managed and communicated.
Earlier, British Airways' owner IAG said it currently has no fuel availability issues in its main markets but suggested potential global restrictions if the war continues.
Source: www.bbc.com