Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, and the U.K.-based Energy Institute (EI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperatively develop global aviation fuel-handling standards.

For more than 25 years, A4A has published fuel standards for the airline industry and its suppliers. This collaborative program is aimed at assuring that fuel at the airport remains safe and of the highest quality before it is loaded on an aircraft. Since the 1960s, the EI has separately published standards and evaluated the equipment used to transport and deliver fuel to the airlines. The two organizations will continue to develop standards independently but the new partnership will allow A4A and its members to provide operational input and share data with the EI as it evaluates new equipment and develops standards worldwide.

“Flying our aircraft with fuel that meets our high standards is critical to maintaining our record safety performance and driving further efficiency gains,” said A4A Senior Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Policy Sharon Pinkerton. “Through additional cooperation with the Energy Institute, we will be able to provide operational expertise and develop new equipment throughout the supply chain and thereby further our commitment to fuel quality.”

“Working these technical issues with greater participation from the technical specialists worldwide is the only sensible approach for industry,” said EI Technical Director Martin Maeso. “Cooperation with A4A not only will enhance aviation safety but also will ensure that it is done in a cost-effective manner.”