USD 184.5 billion
Report ID:
SQMIG10E2028 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: June, 2025
Pages:
197
|Tables:
133
|Figures:
77
Global Aviation Fuel Market size was valued at USD 184.5 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 200.18 billion in 2024 to USD 384.47 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Market Recovery and Demand Surge
The global aviation fuel market is undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by fluctuating crude oil prices, increasing passenger air traffic, and stringent environmental regulations. Aviation fuel, particularly jet fuel (Jet A, Jet A-1), remains a critical component in the operational efficiency of airlines. In 2023, global air travel experienced a robust rebound, surpassing earlier projections. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs)—a key measure of air travel demand—increased by 38.4% year-over-year, reaching 4.5% above 2019 levels. This growth exceeded the initial forecast of a 21% rise, indicating a stronger-than-anticipated recovery. This resurgence in commercial aviation demand is a primary driver boosting fuel consumption across domestic and international flights.
Emerging Markets and Low-Cost Carrier Expansion
India's domestic air travel experienced significant growth in 2023, with passenger numbers rising to 152 million, up from 123 million in 2022—a 23% year-over-year increase, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This surge reflects the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers and enhanced air connectivity, particularly in emerging economies like India and Southeast Asia. Budget airlines are rapidly expanding their fleets to meet growing regional demand, fueling the consumption of aviation fuel in Tier II and Tier III cities.
Supply Constraints and Cost Volatility
On the supply side, volatility in crude oil prices and refining capacity constraints are acting as significant restraints. For instance, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global crude oil prices experienced significant volatility, leading to substantial increases in jet fuel costs. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. Gulf Coast spot price for kerosene-type jet fuel rose from approximately $2.20 per gallon in early January 2022 to over $3.80 per gallon by mid-January 2023. This represents an increase of about 73% over that period. Furthermore, refineries prioritizing diesel production over jet fuel, due to higher profitability, have exacerbated supply shortages. This imbalance is compelling airlines to adopt more fuel-efficient fleets and invest in long-term fuel hedging strategies.
Sustainability and the Rise of SAF
Sustainability is emerging as a crucial theme in the market, with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) gaining significant traction. The European Union's "Fit for 55" package includes the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which mandates the blending of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with conventional jet fuel. Starting in 2025, fuel suppliers at EU airports are required to ensure that at least 2% of the aviation fuel supplied is SAF. This mandate will progressively increase over time, aiming for 6% by 2030 and reaching 70% by 2050. However, high production costs, limited feedstock availability, and underdeveloped infrastructure are limiting SAF’s scalability and broader adoption, posing a challenge for widespread implementation in the short term.
Recent Development: Airline Shift to Sustainable Fuel
In 2024, Delta Air Lines has taken significant steps toward decarbonizing its operations, notably through a long-term agreement with DG Fuels to purchase 385 million gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This seven-year deal is set to commence in 2027, with annual deliveries of 55 million gallons. The SAF produced by DG Fuels utilizes biomass feedstocks and a proprietary process that captures and recycles excess CO₂, resulting in up to an 85% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. This agreement aligns with Delta's broader sustainability objectives, including its commitment to replace at least 5% of its conventional jet fuel with SAF by 2030, and its aspiration to reach 10% SAF usage by the same year.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 184.5 billion
Largest Segment
Rotary Wing
Fastest Growth
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Growth Rate
8.5% CAGR
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Global Aviation Fuel Market is segmented by Fuel Processing Technology, Aircraft Type, Fuel Type, End User and region. Based on Fuel Processing Technology, the market is segmented into Conventional Processing Technologies, Synthetic Fuel Processing Technologies and Biofuel Processing Technologies. Based on Aircraft Type, the market is segmented into Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Based on Fuel Type, the market is segmented into Conventional Aviation Fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Based on End User, the market is segmented into Airline, Government & Military and Non-Scheduled Operator. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Conventional aviation fuel, particularly Jet A and Jet A-1, continues to dominate the market due to its established infrastructure, widespread availability, and compatibility with existing aircraft engines. In the United States, SAF accounted for less than 2% of the approximately 1.7 million barrels per day of jet fuel consumption in 2025, despite significant growth in SAF production capacity. This suggests that, globally, SAF's share in aviation fuel consumption is similarly low, reinforcing the assertion that over 90% of flights relied on conventional fuels in 2023.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is the fastest-growing segment due to increasing regulatory mandates and airline sustainability targets. In September 2023, United Airlines announced a significant agreement with Cemvita Corporation to purchase up to 1 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over a 20-year period. Under this offtake arrangement, Cemvita will supply United with up to 50 million gallons of SAF annually, produced using innovative biotechnology that converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) into fuel. SAF’s growth is fueled by EU and U.S. mandates for blending and growing investor interest in decarbonization.
Rotary wing aircraft, primarily helicopters, dominate within specialized sectors such as offshore oil & gas, emergency medical services, and military transport. In 2023, Leonardo Helicopters delivered 185 helicopters globally, marking a 24% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the company's strong performance and the sustained demand for its rotorcraft across various sectors. The energy sector, especially offshore rigs, relies heavily on helicopter transport, boosting fuel consumption despite limited flight range compared to fixed-wing aircraft.
UAVs again emerge as the fastest-growing due to increasing defense funding and commercial use in border surveillance, precision farming, and last-mile delivery. In February 2024, Boeing delivered the first MQ-25 Stingray drone to the U.S. Navy for airframe integrity testing, marking a crucial step toward operational deployment.
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North America leads the global aviation fuel market due to its expansive commercial aviation network, defense operations, and early SAF adoption. In 2023, the United States consumed approximately 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) of jet fuel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This figure represents a 5% decrease from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019, indicating that the aviation sector had not fully returned to its previous operational levels. The EIA forecasts a 6% increase in jet fuel consumption in 2024, potentially reaching over 1.7 million bpd, driven by strong consumer demand for air travel. This growth is expected to be the fastest among transportation fuels, as the aviation industry continues to recover and expand. Airlines like Delta, United, and American operate some of the world's largest fleets. Moreover, strong government incentives for decarbonization under the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge are accelerating fuel consumption and infrastructure investments.
In 2024, United Airlines deepened its collaboration with Cemvita Corporation, a Houston-based biotech firm, by signing a 20-year agreement to purchase up to 1 billion gallons of SAF. Cemvita's innovative process utilizes synthetic microbes to convert CO₂ into sustainable aviation fuel, offering a promising pathway to reduce aviation emissions. Under the agreement, Cemvita will supply United with up to 50 million gallons of SAF annually, starting from their first full-scale SAF plant.
Canada is emerging as a SAF innovation hub. In 2023, Vancouver International Airport became one of the first in North America to integrate Neste’s SAF into commercial operations. Additionally, with air travel rebounding post-pandemic, Canada handled over 89 million passengers in 2023, amplifying demand for both conventional and sustainable aviation fuels. This development aligns with Canada's broader efforts to enhance aviation sustainability. In 2024, Air Canada signed an agreement with Neste to supply 60,000 metric tons (approximately 77.6 million liters) of neat Neste MY SAF, contributing to the airline's target of procuring SAF to account for 1% of its estimated jet fuel use in 2025.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to surging passenger traffic, government investment in aviation, and a rise in budget airlines. According to IATA, India and China are poised to be the top two aviation growth markets globally. Regional connectivity, urbanization, and increased air cargo activities are pushing up the demand for aviation fuel across APAC.
In 2023, India achieved a historic milestone by serving 152 million domestic air passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This 8.34% year-on-year increase reflects a strong recovery and expansion in domestic air travel . December 2023 alone saw 13.8 million passengers, marking the highest monthly traffic ever recorded. IndiGo, India's largest airline, has placed a record order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, including A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR models. This historic deal brings IndiGo's total Airbus order book to 1,330 aircraft, solidifying its position as the world's largest A320 Family customer. The airline's fleet expansion is poised to meet the growing demand for air travel and enhance connectivity across India.
By the end of 2023, China's domestic aviation traffic had not only recovered but surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Domestic passenger numbers reached 590 million, marking a 7.1% increase over 2019 figures. This surge is attributed to pent-up demand, eased travel restrictions, and government initiatives to stimulate domestic travel. In early 2024, China Eastern Airlines resumed and expanded its long-haul operations. The airline introduced 15 new international routes, including services to Milan and Copenhagen, enhancing its European network . Additionally, China Eastern debuted the domestically developed C919 aircraft on the Shanghai-Hong Kong route in January 2024, marking a significant milestone in China's aviation industry.
In fiscal year 2023, Tokyo's Haneda Airport recorded a historic 191 million international passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This surge was driven by increased inbound tourism following the relaxation of COVID-19 border measures. Domestic flights at Haneda also saw a 16% rise, totaling 61.8 million passengers. The Japanese government has set an ambitious target to replace 10% of aviation fuel with SAF by 2030. This initiative is supported by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), which established a SAF Public-Private Council to promote SAF adoption.
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Surge in Global Air Passenger Traffic is Fueling Demand
Strategic Push Toward Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Adoption
Volatility in Crude Oil Prices Hindering Cost Stability
High Production Costs and Limited Infrastructure for SAF
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The global aviation fuel market is marked by intense competition among major oil producers, airline alliances, and SAF developers, with strategic investments and long-term supply contracts shaping market dominance. Key players like ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Chevron are leveraging vertical integration by securing contracts with airlines and investing in SAF R&D.
In 2024, TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM expanded their longstanding partnership with a significant agreement to supply up to 1.5 million tons (approximately 1.9 billion liters) of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) over a 10-year period, extending through 2035. This agreement builds upon a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that initially outlined the supply of 800,000 tons of SAF. The SAF provided will be produced from waste and residues at TotalEnergies' refineries in France and Europe, utilizing coprocessing methods to ensure sustainability.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Neste, a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), completed a significant expansion of its Singapore refinery. This project doubled the facility's total output capacity to 2.6 million tons of fuel per year, with up to 1 million tons dedicated to SAF production annually. This makes it the world's largest SAF production facility.
Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Aviation Fuel
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected using Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
Based on SkyQuest in-depth study, we found that the Global Aviation Fuel Market is poised for steady growth driven primarily by the resurgence of global air travel and increasing adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Our study also reveals that stringent environmental regulations and airline commitments to carbon neutrality are accelerating SAF investments, despite current cost and supply constraints. Key players are investing heavily in SAF production capacity and forming strategic partnerships to secure long-term supply agreements. Meanwhile, price volatility of conventional jet fuel remains a critical challenge affecting market dynamics. Regional growth is strongest in Asia-Pacific due to rising air traffic and infrastructure development. Overall, innovation in fuel technologies and government incentives will be pivotal in shaping the market’s trajectory over the next decade.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 184.5 billion |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 384.47 billion |
Growth Rate | 8.5% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the Aviation Fuel Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Aviation Fuel Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
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With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Aviation Fuel Market:
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Global Aviation Fuel Market size was valued at USD 184.5 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 200.18 billion in 2024 to USD 384.47 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global aviation fuel market is marked by intense competition among major oil producers, airline alliances, and SAF developers, with strategic investments and long-term supply contracts shaping market dominance. Key players like ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Chevron are leveraging vertical integration by securing contracts with airlines and investing in SAF R&D. 'Exxon Mobil Corporation', 'Chevron Corporation', 'BP PLC', 'Shell PLC', 'TotalEnergies', 'Neste', 'Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.', 'Valero Energy Corporation', 'Phillips 66 Company', 'Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited', 'LanzaJet', 'World Energy, LLC', 'Gevo, Inc.', 'Petrobras', 'OMV Aktiengesellschaft', 'Alder Energy, LLC', 'Vitol', 'Essar', 'World Kinect Corporation', 'Prometheus Fuels'
The steady rebound in global passenger air travel is a major demand driver for aviation fuel. Global air travel experienced a significant rebound in 2023, with passenger traffic reaching approximately 94% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This resurgence was particularly evident in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions, which saw robust growth in both domestic and international travel. In India, IndiGo Airlines achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian carrier to transport over 100 million passengers in a single calendar year. Specifically, IndiGo carried 104,497,646 passengers in 2023, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. This surge in passenger numbers significantly contributed to the rise in jet fuel consumption, underscoring the airline's pivotal role in India's aviation sector.
The aviation fuel market is focused on recovering from pandemic-related disruptions, with rising air traffic driving demand. Jet fuel prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and crude oil supply constraints. Airlines are increasingly adopting blended sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to meet emerging carbon regulations, but SAF penetration remains limited by cost and supply chain challenges.
North America leads the global aviation fuel market due to its expansive commercial aviation network, defense operations, and early SAF adoption. In 2023, the United States consumed approximately 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) of jet fuel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This figure represents a 5% decrease from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019, indicating that the aviation sector had not fully returned to its previous operational levels. The EIA forecasts a 6% increase in jet fuel consumption in 2024, potentially reaching over 1.7 million bpd, driven by strong consumer demand for air travel. This growth is expected to be the fastest among transportation fuels, as the aviation industry continues to recover and expand.
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Report ID: SQMIG10E2028
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