IATA into-plane service levels

The IATA Fuelling Operations Group defines four service levels that scope a supplier's responsibility during fuelling. Each level builds on the one below it: Level 1 is the smallest scope (up-to-plane), and Level 4 is the full into-plane service including non-routine procedures.

On JetFuelTenders the field appears as IATA Service Level on a bid, with values IATA Service level 1 through IATA Service level 4. Airlines set a Preferred IATA Service Level per location; suppliers see the request when they bid and a warning fires if they offer a different level.

Levels at a glance

Level	Supplier responsibility
IATA Service level 1	Up-to-plane only. Airline-authorised refueller performs all into-plane procedures.
IATA Service level 2	Routine fuelling to a total fuel figure supplied by the airline.
IATA Service level 3	Routine fuelling using an airline refuel sheet, including tank distribution and discrepancy checks.
IATA Service level 4	Full into-plane capability — all routine plus non-routine procedures (drip-stick, tank-to-tank, defuelling, overwing).

A fuelling operator only counts as an Authorised Refueller — qualified to operate aircraft switches during refuelling — after training delivered by an Approved Fuelling Instructor, covering every fleet type assigned to the station (including diversion fleets).

Level 1 — Minimum service (up-to-plane)

The supplier brings fuel to the aircraft. The airline-authorised refueller does the rest. Supplier scope:

• Position the fuelling vehicle, set brake, install chocks if no brake interlock.
• Bond the vehicle to the aircraft and ground if required.
• Open the wing fuelling panel; remove and replace adapter caps.
• Connect and disconnect fuelling hoses; for hydrant systems, connect/disconnect the hydrant coupler at the pit valve.
• Provide fuel volume and density on request.
• Perform clear-and-bright checks at the aircraft, including chemical water detection where required.
• Operate the deadman control under direction of the airline refueller.
• Monitor vehicle pressures within limits.
• Provide a fuel delivery receipt for signature before departure.
• Assist with defuelling when required and complete a walk-around inspection.

Level 2 — Routine fuelling, total fuel figure

Level 1 plus delivering the total fuel quantity specified by the airline:

• Obtain the documented total fuel figure from the airline before fuelling.
• Run gauge and system tests appropriate to the aircraft type.
• Fuel to the total requirement using the aircraft's automatic fuelling mode.
• Convert kg/lb or L/USG when required.
• Set wing-panel switches and gauges; coordinate with the opposite-wing operator and cockpit (headset) when needed.
• Monitor wing-panel gauges, vehicle pressure, and tank vents for spills.
• Deliver the completed fuel service form to operations or cockpit crew.

Level 3 — Routine fuelling, distribution and discrepancy

Levels 1–2 plus distribution-aware fuelling using a refuel sheet:

• Obtain the aircraft refuel sheet from the airline or fuelling company before fuelling.
• Read refuel-panel gauges before and after; record on the refuel sheet.
• Fuel per the uplift calculations on the sheet.
• Set refuel-panel switches; control fuel added in manual or automatic mode.
• For multi-fleet stations, interpret manual distribution charts and follow the procedure for each fleet type.
• Calculate fuel weight at the aircraft from density using a hydrometer on designated flights.
• Calculate the fuelling discrepancy and compare to the maximum allowable; if outside limits, escalate to a Level 4 refueller.

Level 4 — Non-routine fuelling

Full into-plane capability — Levels 1–3 plus non-routine procedures:

• Interpret drip-stick tables and conversion charts.
• Operate measuring sticks to determine tank quantity:
  • when requested by flight crew;
  • when uplift exceeds tolerance (discrepancy);
  • for tanks with inoperative gauges;
  • to verify pre-service differences.
• Fuel with an inoperative cockpit gauge using sticks plus vehicle meter, or sticks plus operative aircraft gauges.
• Enter the cockpit when a refuel-panel gauge is inoperative; direct fuelling via headset using cockpit gauges.
• Perform tank-to-tank transfers or defuelling with boost pumps, override pumps, and cross feeds when required.
• Perform overwing fuelling of pressure-fuelled aircraft when required.

Where it appears in a tender

Airlines configure the preferred level per location in tender setup. Suppliers select an IATA Service Level on each bid; the field is captured on the awarded contract for downstream reporting and compliance.