Alkagesta secures access to NATO pipeline to supply fuel to Europe’s biggest airports

Malta-founded commodities trader Alkagesta has announced a major expansion in its operations after securing access to the NATO Central European Pipeline System (CEPS), a move that will allow it to supply jet fuel to some of Europe’s largest airports, including Brussels and Frankfurt-am-Main.

The agreement marks the company’s entry into inland logistics for jet fuel distribution – a significant milestone for the firm, which was established in Malta in 2018 and has since expanded into a multinational trading operation spanning dozens of markets.

The NATO CEPS network, which stretches roughly 5,300km across Northwest Europe, was originally created in the late 1950s to support rapid fuel delivery to military aircraft and vehicles across alliance member states. Today, while it retains strategic military importance, the majority of its activity is commercial, enabling approved companies to distribute fuel efficiently to major aviation hubs.

Access to the network is tightly controlled, with firms required to undergo enhanced due diligence and strict approval processes before being granted entry. Alkagesta’s inclusion positions it among a select group of companies authorised to operate within one of Europe’s most critical energy infrastructures.

Beyond logistics efficiency, the deal also strengthens access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for airlines operating in Northwest Europe. Under current EU rules, carriers are required to meet minimum SAF usage thresholds, with a 2 per cent target already in force. According to the company, all fuel supplied through this new arrangement will include a 2 per cent SAF blend, helping airlines meet regulatory requirements and avoid potential penalties.

Commenting on the development, CEO Orkhan Rustamov said the agreement represents a pivotal moment for the company’s growth trajectory.

“I am delighted that Alkagesta has been able to secure access to such a key part of Europe’s fuel distribution network. With this announcement, we will now be able to provide high quality, sustainable fuel to dozens of airlines across Northwest Europe. This marks a significant chapter in the company’s ability to deliver crucial strategic supplies across the continent.”

The announcement comes amid renewed focus on Europe’s energy and logistics resilience following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with governments and operators investing in strengthening strategic supply networks. Poland, for instance, announced a €5.5 billion deal last year aimed at connecting to the pipeline, further expanding its reach and capabilities.

For Alkagesta, the move underscores its rapid growth less than a decade after its founding. The company now operates across 42 countries, employing around 165 professionals in 17 offices worldwide, and manages trading flows exceeding eight million metric tonnes annually. Its portfolio spans petroleum, steel products, fertilisers, biofuels and jet fuels, supported by storage capacity exceeding 700,000 cubic metres across Europe and Asia.