OREANDA-NEWS The Kazakh airline Air Astana has signed a memorandum of strategic partnership with PetroChina International Kazakhstan and is discussing the possibility of supplying jet fuel from Chinese refineries. This was reported by the press service of the air carrier.

"Within the framework of the document, the parties intend to cooperate on the supply of jet fuel, as well as work on the creation of infrastructure and the transition to the international standard of Jet A-1 aviation fuel. 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 environmentally friendly aviation fuel (SAF) directly from Chinese refineries," the report says.

As the president of the Air Astana Group of companies Peter Foster noted, the airline is actively expanding its route network and increasing its fleet with new aircraft. "The support of 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 strives to introduce innovative and environmentally sustainable initiatives in aviation," Foster said, quoted in the message.

Jet A-1 is a type of fuel that meets the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). "The difference between the Jet A-1 brand and the TC-1/RT brands used in Kazakhstan is mainly in the production technology and storage. The main advantage of Jet A-1 is its low fire hazard, low composition of exhaust gases during emissions into the atmosphere and an increase in the overhaul cycle of aircraft engines," the press service explained.