An aviation fuel is formulated with manganese-containing compounds. The composition may include relatively high amounts of manganese up to about 500 mg Mn/l. A manganese-containing additive may reduce the smoke created during the combustion of the aviation fuel. Additionally, the aviation fuel composition may include manganese to improve octane and include a phosphorus-containing scavenger to reduce manganese oxide engine deposits. Further, isooctane is added in order to, with the manganese-containing compound, improve the octane number of the fuel.