Kazakhstan receives first shipment of global standard Jet A-1 aviation fuel

Kazakhstan has received its inaugural shipment of internationally standardized Jet A-1 aviation fuel from China, marking a key milestone in the country’s aviation and energy sectors.

On December 10, PetroChina International Alashankou dispatched a 500-ton trial shipment of Jet A-1 fuel—equivalent to 17 tanker trucks—from Dushanzi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The primary partners and first importers of the Chinese aviation kerosene in Kazakhstan are the domestic holding Sterling Energy and LLP “KazMunayGas – Aero.” The initial batch is designated for Almaty International Airport.

PetroChina International’s management highlighted the strategic importance of the delivery in strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries. Under the current contract, a total of 1,000 tons of fuel is planned for delivery, with further increases in volume expected.

The shipment arrives amid sustained growth in Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, with passenger traffic rising by 23% in 2023, 15% in 2024, and 13% in the first seven months of 2025. With rising demand and ongoing plans to develop regional cargo hubs and construct new international airports, the country’s aviation kerosene deficit is projected to increase from the current 300–350 thousand tons per year to 500–600 thousand tons by 2030. Adopting the global Jet A-1 standard is expected to provide a competitive advantage for Kazakhstan’s airports in servicing transcontinental flights.

However, the full adoption of the Jet A-1 standard will require modernization across the entire supply chain—from refinery to aircraft. Currently, Kazakhstan’s infrastructure for delivering and storing Jet A-1 remains limited, with only the capital airport equipped with appropriate storage tanks. Relevant holding companies are actively working to expand and upgrade this infrastructure.

By Vafa Guliyeva