Fueling Flight: Your ultimate guide to Aviation Fuel in India

Aviation is often regarded as the lifeline of any nation’s economy due to its significant contributions across various sectors. In India, the aviation sector has seen a remarkable transformation, now ranking as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market globally. The number of operational airports has surged from 74 in 2014 to 157 today, dramatically improving regional connectivity. This enhanced accessibility fuels trade, drives exports and imports, and empowers consumer choice- all essential components of a thriving economy.

What is Aviation Fuel

Aviation fuel is a carefully formulated petroleum product that is designed uniquely to drive aircraft engines. It offers exceptional performance, stability across temperature variations, and stringent safety standards. Aircraft primarily use kerosene-based Jet fuel (Jet A-1) for turbine engines and Aviation gasoline (AVGAS) for piston engines.

Aviation Fuel Types:

Jet Fuel (Aviation Turbine Fuel): A high-grade kerosene-based fuel primarily used in turbine engine aircraft. Key types include:

• Jet A-1: The most common type of kerosene-based fuel used in commercial aviation for turbine engines (jet engines, turboprops).
• Jet A: Another kerosene-based fuel, similar to Jet A-1, but with a slightly higher maximum freezing point.
• Jet B: Used for its enhanced cold-weather performance.

Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS): Used in smaller, piston-engine aircraft. Variants include:

• AVGAS 100: A high-octane Aviation fuel with a higher lead content.
• AVGAS 100LL: A low-lead version designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance.

SAF: New Sustainable Jet Fuels:

SAF represents the future of air travel- a cleaner, greener alternative derived from sustainable sources like biomass and waste. Designed to significantly cut carbon emissions, SAF is a cornerstone of the global push toward net-zero aviation.

BPCL & Aviation Fuel

Pioneering in aircraft refuelling, was a lofty achievement for us. In 1924, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ first Inter-Continental flight from Amsterdam to Batawia was refuelled at Indian Airports by us in our previous corporate Avatar, Burmah Shell. We also had the privilege of fuelling the historic flight of JRD Tata in 1932. From constructing India’s first hydrant fueling system at Dumdum Airport in 1954 to completing the cutting-edge hydrant refuelling system at Mopa, we seamlessly continue to energize the nation’s dreams to soar.

Today, BPCL Aviation has a strong presence at 77 airports, including Air Force and Army stations. Our roles span fuel farm operations, into-plane services, and full-scale Aviation Fuelling Stations. We are joint owners of Fuelling facilities at Mumbai, Delhi and Kannur Airports and have equity investments in Cochin and Kannur Airports. Our JV partner, Bharat Stars Services Private Limited provides strong support to us in refuelling activities.

BPCL Aviation team backed by domain expertise and extensive experience, provides efficient and safe Into-plane services to domestic and international airlines. With a sharp focus on quality and safety, BPCL fuels over 45% of India’s international volume, cementing our position as the airline industry’s trusted partner.

A vital part of BPCL’s aviation fuelling operations is our fleet of advanced Refuellers and Hydrant Dispensers. These equipments play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and safe into-plane fuel delivery.

• Refuellers are mobile tankers equipped with high-precision pumping, metering and filtration systems that directly fuel aircraft from onboard storage tanks—ideal for airports without hydrant systems.
• Hydrant Dispensers connect aircraft to underground fuel hydrant systems, offering faster, more efficient refuelling, especially at high-traffic airports like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Cochin.

Advancing Toward a Greener Sky

As pioneers in aviation fuel infrastructure, we are deeply committed to sustainability. Our efforts to minimize carbon emissions include reducing road transportation of fuel and enhancing infrastructure through dedicated pipelines. One of our most ambitious green initiatives is the upcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility, scheduled for commissioning by 2027, aligning with India’s blending mandate. We're also laying a 35-km dedicated ATF pipeline from Piyala Terminal to Jewar Airport's tank farm to boost operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Properties of ATF

• Energy Density: ATF has a high energy density (approximately 35 MJ/L), translating into efficient performance and a longer distance coverage per liter of fuel.
• Low Freezing Point: Jet A-1 has a freezing point of maximum -47 °C, making it suitable for high-altitude flights where temperatures can plummet.
• Stability: ATF is chemically stable, which helps prevent the formation of deposits in the fuel system and engine.
• Low Vapor Pressure: This minimizes the risk of vapor lock and enhances safety during flight operations.
• Low Vapor Pressure: ATF is supplemented with various additives to improve its properties, including antioxidants, anti-static agents, and corrosion inhibitors, ensuring the fuel remains effective throughout its lifecycle.