Jet A and Jet A1 are kerosene type jet fuels and the most common fuels used in commercial jet engines. The primary differences between Jet A and Jet A-1 are the higher freezing point of Jet A (−40 °C vs −47 °C for Jet A-1), and the mandatory requirement for the addition of an anti-static additive to Jet A-1.
The only other jet fuel commonly used in civilian turbine-engine powered aviation is Jet B which is used for its enhanced cold-weather performance.
Kerosene-type jet fuel (including Jet A and Jet A-1) has a carbon number distribution between about 8 and 16 carbon numbers; wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel (including Jet B), between about 5 and 15 carbon numbers.
Jet A-1 Fuel must meet the specification for DEF STAN 91-91 (Jet A-1), ASTM specification D1655 (Jet A-1) and IATA Guidance Material (Kerosine Type), NATO Code F-35. Jet A Fuel must reach ASTM specification D1655 (Jet A) [4]
| | Jet A-1 | | Jet A |
| Flash point | | > 38 °C (100.4 °F) |
| Autoignition temperature | | 210 °C (410 °F) |
| Freezing point | < −47 °C (−52.6 °F) | < −40 °C (−40 °F) |
| Open air burning temperatures | | 287.5 °C (549.5 °F) |
| Density at 15 °C (59 °F) | | 0.775 kg/L to 0.840 kg/L |
| Specific energy | | > 42.80 MJ/kg |