What is the fuel used in aircraft?

Most large aircraft that have turbine-powerd engines use a fuel called Jet A. Jet A is basically highly refined kerosene. Jet A is used in the United States, Jet A-1 is used in the rest of the world. Where extreme cold conditions exist, Jet B is used for its better cold weather performance.

Other aircraft that have reciprocating (piston) engines use Aviation gasoline, which is similar to what is used in automobiles.