ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 13. Kazakhstani airline Air Astana and PetroChina International Kazakhstan (engaged in wholesale supplies of petroleum products) signed a Memorandum of Strategic Partnership, Trend reports.
As part of the document, the parties intend to cooperate on the supply of jet fuel, as well as to work on creating infrastructure and transition to the international aviation fuel standard Jet A-1.
Due to the lack of production of this type of fuel in Kazakhstan, the parties also discussed the possibility of importing Jet A-1 and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) directly from oil refineries in China.
"Our airline is actively expanding its route network and expanding its fleet with new aircraft. Support from partners in matters of fuel supply will help for the further growth and development of Air Astana. As part of its ESG strategy, the airline is committed to introducing innovative and environmentally sustainable initiatives in aviation," said Air Astana Group President Peter Foster.
As noted by the airline, Jet A-1 is a fuel type that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
The difference between the global brand Jet A-1 and the TS-1/RT brands used in Kazakhstan lies mainly in production and storage technology.
The main advantage of Jet A-1 is its low fire hazard, low composition of exhaust gases when emitted into the atmosphere and an increase in the overhaul cycle of aircraft engines.
Air Astana is a joint venture between the Kazakh state sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna and the British company BAE Systems (51 percent and 49 percent shares, respectively).