Introduction

In the highly cost-sensitive and operationally critical aviation industry, Aviation Fuel Management and Logistics are not merely a back-office function but a pivotal strategic area that directly impacts an airline's profitability, operational efficiency, and environmental footprint. Fuel represents a significant, often the largest, operating cost for airlines, making its efficient procurement, storage, handling, and delivery paramount. The complexities involved range from navigating volatile global oil markets and managing intricate supply chains to ensuring stringent safety standards during refueling operations and optimizing fuel uplift strategies. Effective fuel management is crucial for mitigating financial risks, minimizing operational delays, and contributing to sustainability efforts within the aviation sector. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to master Aviation Fuel Management and Logistics.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower airline operations managers, procurement specialists, finance executives, ground handling supervisors, fuel farm managers, and environmental officers with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to optimize aviation fuel management and logistics processes. Participants will gain a deep understanding of fuel specifications, learn about global supply chain dynamics, master safe handling and quality control procedures, and explore strategies for hedging and cost optimization. The course will delve into topics such as fuel procurement strategies, into-plane fueling operations, aviation fuel infrastructure, quality assurance, environmental regulations, and leveraging technology for fuel efficiency. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Aviation Fuel Management and Logistics, participants will be prepared to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, ensure safety, and contribute to the sustainable future of air transport.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Airline Operations Managers and Supervisors
• Airline Procurement and Supply Chain Managers (Fuel)
• Airline Finance Managers and Analysts
• Ground Handling Companies (Fueling Operations Managers)
• Airport Fuel Farm Managers and Operators
• Aviation Fuel Suppliers and Distributors
• Quality Control Specialists (Fuel)
• Environmental and Safety Officers in Aviation
• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Personnel
• Aviation Consultants specializing in fuel

Objectives

• Understand the global landscape of aviation fuel supply and demand.
• Learn about aviation fuel specifications, quality control, and safety standards.
• Acquire proficiency in fuel procurement strategies and contract management.
• Comprehend the logistics of aviation fuel supply chain from refinery to wingtip.
• Explore best practices for safe and efficient into-plane fueling operations.
• Understand the financial management of fuel, including hedging strategies.
• Gain insights into environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives related to aviation fuel.
• Develop a framework for optimizing fuel efficiency and managing operational fuel data.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Aviation Fuel and its Significance

• Types of aviation fuel: Jet A, Jet A-1, Avgas, and their properties.
• The role of fuel as a major operating cost for airlines.
• Global fuel consumption trends in aviation.
• Interdependencies of fuel with flight operations, finance, and environment.
• Key stakeholders in the aviation fuel supply chain.

Module 2: Aviation Fuel Specifications and Quality Control

• International and national fuel specifications (e.g., ASTM, DEF STAN).
• Importance of fuel cleanliness, purity, and additive management.
• Quality control procedures at all stages: refinery, storage, delivery, into-plane.
• Testing and sampling protocols for aviation fuel.
• Identifying and responding to off-specification fuel.

Module 3: Fuel Procurement and Contract Management

• Understanding global oil markets and factors influencing fuel prices.
• Fuel tendering and bidding processes for airlines.
• Types of fuel contracts: fixed price, variable price, hedging mechanisms.
• Negotiation strategies for fuel supply agreements.
• Managing relationships with fuel suppliers and distributors.

Module 4: Aviation Fuel Logistics and Supply Chain

• Fuel supply chain overview: from refinery to airport fuel farm.
• Modes of fuel transport: pipelines, tankers, rail, barges.
• Fuel storage facilities at airports: design, capacity, and management.
• Hydrant systems vs. mobile refuelers: advantages and disadvantages.
• Inventory management and demand forecasting for airport fuel.

Module 5: Safe Fuel Handling and Into-Plane Operations

• International safety standards for aviation fueling (e.g., JIG Guidelines).
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for fueling personnel.
• Safety procedures for connecting, fueling, and disconnecting aircraft.
• Fire prevention and emergency response protocols during fueling.
• Human factors in fueling operations and error prevention.

Module 6: Financial Management of Fuel

• Fuel budgeting and cost allocation for airlines.
• Understanding fuel surcharges and hedging instruments (e.g., futures, options).
• Strategies for mitigating fuel price volatility.
• Fuel efficiency metrics and cost-saving initiatives.
• Accounting for fuel costs and financial reporting.

Module 7: Environmental Regulations and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

• Environmental impact of aviation fuel: emissions, noise.
• Regulatory frameworks for fuel quality and environmental protection.
• Introduction to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): types, production, benefits.
• Challenges and opportunities in SAF adoption and scaling.
• Carbon offsetting and other environmental initiatives related to fuel.

Module 8: Fuel Efficiency and Data Management

• Operational fuel efficiency initiatives: flight planning optimization, weight reduction, engine wash.
• Role of technology in fuel management: fuel management systems, digital dashboards.
• Data analytics for identifying fuel saving opportunities.
• Fuel consumption monitoring and reporting.
• Best practices for continuous improvement in fuel management.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training