The differences between aviation fuel suppliers: which one should you choose for your needs?
- Emeline Ferro
- May 23
- 6 min read
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses in aviation, accounting for between 20% and 40% of operating costs according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Choosing a fuel supplier is therefore not a decision to be taken lightly. Quite the contrary. Beyond price, you also need to consider the quality of service offered, geographical coverage, customs formalities and the ability to respond quickly to unexpected requests.
What are the main types of suppliers? How can they be compared? And above all, how can you choose the one that best suits your specific needs? In this guide, My OPS provides concrete answers and figures to help you make the right choice among the various aviation fuel suppliers.
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1. Types of aviation fuel suppliers
Oil companies (majors)
Among the long-standing players in the market are giants such as Shell Aviation, BP Air, TotalEnergies Aviation, Chevron and ExxonMobil. These companies produce, transport and distribute fuel (Jet A-1, Avgas) themselves, with infrastructure located at major global hubs.
✅ Advantages:
Guaranteed quality and compliance with ATA 103 and JIG standards
Global network: more than 800 airports served by Shell, for example
Stable pricing, transparency on taxes and volumes
❌ Limitations:
Less flexibility for last-minute stopovers
Pricing can be rigid, with little room for negotiation
Few ancillary services (tax management, operational support)
Ideal for: commercial airlines, scheduled flights to major airports.
Fuel brokers
Companies such as World Fuel Services, Avfuel, UAS, Jetex and My Sky Fuel do not always have their own fuel, but negotiate with different suppliers. They act as facilitators and centralize the entire logistics chain.
✅ Advantages:
Rates negotiated with multiple suppliers
Tax management (VAT exemption, ATA carnet, etc.)
Related services: stopover planning, 24/7 support, fuel cards
Presence at more than 3,000 airports for some (World Fuel Services)
❌ Limitations:
Sometimes additional management fees
Less transparency on margins
Dependence on third-party suppliers in the event of problems
Ideal for: business aviation, diplomatic flights, multi-site operators, complex stopovers.
Local or airport suppliers
Each airport or aerodrome may offer its own local supplier, often contracted to a major brand or completely independent. These operators provide direct refueling, sometimes with a high level of responsiveness.
✅ Advantages:
Competitive rates, especially at small airports
Immediate availability, simple billing
Direct relationship with the local operator
❌ Limitations:
Additional services (flight plan, customs, support) not always available
Fewer guarantees in the event of cancellation or unforeseen circumstances
Network limited to one or two platforms
Ideal for: general aviation, private owners, flight schools.
Are you looking for support to optimize your refueling?
Entrust your fuel services to MY OPS.
2. Criteria for selecting a fuel supplier
Choosing a fuel supplier is not just a matter of comparing prices at the pump. To ensure the performance and reliability of your operations, several parameters must be taken into account. Here are the main selection criteria to analyze before signing a contract.
👉🏼 Price per liter
Price is often the first criterion considered, but it can be misleading if not analyzed in its entirety. From one airport to another, the differences can be as much as $0.70/liter, according to data from Globalair.com. These variations are due to local conditions, distribution methods, and tax policies.
It is therefore important to include the following in your calculation:
Local taxes: excise duties, VAT, eco-taxes, etc. These vary greatly depending on the country and the type of operation (domestic or international flights).
Refueling costs: in addition to fuel, you may sometimes have to pay additional fees for the use of a hydrant, the mobilization of a tanker truck, or for refueling at night or on weekends.
Brokerage or administration margins: some suppliers apply a fixed or variable commission per liter, while others charge a flat service fee. Check the terms and conditions in the contract.
✈️ MyOPS tip: A low advertised price may hide significant additional costs. It is therefore essential to obtain a comprehensive and transparent quote.
👉🏼 Geographic coverage
A good supplier is one that is available where you fly. If you operate mainly in Western Europe, a dense local network will suffice. However, for intercontinental flights, global coverage is essential.
A supplier with a presence at 500 airports may be suitable for a regional operator.
A supplier operating at more than 4,000 airports in 190 countries (such as World Fuel Services) is necessary for international operations.
For underserved areas (Central Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America), fuel availability and the supplier's local experience are key factors in avoiding unpleasant surprises.
👉🏼 Quality of service
Beyond the fuel itself, it is the customer experience that makes the difference. In an industry as sensitive as aviation, responsiveness and precision are vital. A good supplier must be able to respond to emergencies, manage the unexpected, and provide flawless assistance.
Here are some performance indicators:
Response time to requests: the best suppliers respond within 30 minutes, 24/7.
Automated administrative follow-up: digital invoices, online access to history, consumption reports.
Customs assistance, FBO, document management: to simplify your formalities during stopovers.
24/7 multilingual hotline: operational customer service capable of handling unexpected events, regardless of the time zone.
👉🏼 Additional services
These are often the services that distinguish a simple supplier from a true partner. A good fuel offer is not limited to distribution: it must also facilitate your logistical and tax procedures.
Exemption certificate management: essential for international flights to avoid paying unnecessary VAT or certain local taxes.
Integration with your planning tools: synchronization with dispatch, flight planning, or accounting reporting software.
Access to a universal fuel card: a single card that can be used at hundreds of airports, avoiding advance payments or complicated payments.
These options save time and provide peace of mind for both ground and flight crews.
👉🏼 Customer relations
Finally, the quality of human relations is an often underestimated but decisive factor. Working with a supplier who knows you and understands your constraints makes all the difference. Especially in the long term.
Dedicated account manager: a single point of contact who works with you over time, knows your usual itineraries, anticipates your needs, and manages your fare negotiations.
Personalized follow-up: automatic reminders, advice on which airports to choose, alerts in case of supply disruptions.
In an emergency or when faced with an operational contingency, it is this relationship of trust that can make the difference between a flight being maintained and a flight being canceled.
Are you looking for support to optimize your refueling?
Entrust your fuel services to MY OPS.
3. Which supplier for which profile?
Profile | Recommended supplier | Why |
Regular airline | Major oil company | Reliability, global network, robust infrastructure |
Private jet, business aviation | International broker | Flexibility, tax optimization, multiple stopovers |
Light aircraft owner | Local supplier | Simplicity, proximity, low cost |
Government/diplomatic flights | Premium broker (UAS, Jetex) | Authorization management, confidentiality, priority handling |
My OPS: tailor-made refueling solutions for global aviation
My OPS stands out as a trusted operational partner for aviation stakeholders, offering comprehensive and customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of each flight operation. Their services include flight planning, ground handling, fueling, and luxury concierge services.
Key benefits:
Global coverage: With an international network of leading partners, My OPS is present on five continents, providing 24/7 operational support, whether you are in major hubs or more remote regions.
Personalized services: Every type of flight—business, diplomatic, military, commercial, or cargo—receives support tailored to its specific needs, whether it's stopovers, authorizations, or assistance for crew and passengers.
Comprehensive assistance: My OPS takes care of every aspect of your operations, from flight planning to overflight and landing clearances, ground handling and luxury concierge services, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your missions.
By choosing My OPS, you benefit from exceptional service at every stage of your flight operations, with a team of experts available 24/7 to respond to your needs and organize the most appropriate solutions for your air operations.
Choosing an aviation fuel supplier should never be left to chance. It must meet specific needs: availability, price, flexibility, coverage, services, etc. Depending on your business model, a major oil company, a broker, or a local supplier could make all the difference in terms of cost and efficiency.
Take the time to compare offers, negotiate terms and, above all, test the responsiveness of the services. In aviation, every minute lost on the ground can be very costly.
Are you looking for support to optimize your refueling?
Entrust your fuel services to MY OPS.
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