EU tells airlines: no obstacles to careful use of Jet A fuel
EU Guidance on Jet Fuel Use Amid Supply Concerns
May 8 (Reuters) - The European Union told airports and airlines in the region on Friday that they can swap certain jet fuel grades to avert a supply crunch due to the war in Iran, as long as precautions are taken.
Approval of Jet A Fuel for European Airlines
The EU Commission cleared airlines' use of Jet A fuel, commonly filled in the United States, as supplies of the EU-preferred fuel grade could run low amid scarce Middle Eastern supplies, confirming an earlier Reuters report.
Regulatory Position on Jet A Fuel
"There are (...) no regulatory obstacles to the use of Jet A fuel imported to Europe provided its use is properly managed and communicated throughout the fuel supply chain," it said.
Differences Between Jet A and Jet A-1 Fuel
At European airports, planes are typically refuelled with a grade known as Jet A-1, which is better suited to long-haul and cold-temperature operations.
Europe-bound planes, like all others, have previously been filled with Jet A fuel in the U.S.
Precautions and Safety Measures
EASA's Recommendations
The bloc's aviation safety agency EASA said separately the industry in the region needs to take certain precautions when making the switch.
Managing the Transition
"A potential introduction in markets traditionally using Jet A-1 needs to be adequately managed," it cautioned in a statement.
EASA added it was issuing a Safety Information Bulletin on adequate use, which the Commission said stakeholders were "invited to consult".
Passenger Rights and Market Impact
The EU Commission also on Friday told airlines that passenger rights would be upheld, as the impact of the war in Iran on the jet fuel market is not severe enough.
(Reporting by Linda Pasquini and Ludwig Burger, editing by Miranda Murray and Thomas Seythal)
