The UK and Google are testing changes to flight paths to tackle aviation’s climate impact
Summary
The UK government and Google UK are working together on a 30-month trial to reduce the climate impact of airplane contrails by changing flight altitudes over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Using Google’s artificial intelligence forecasts, air traffic controllers will direct some flights to adjust altitude slightly to avoid areas likely to form contrails, which trap heat and contribute to global warming.Key Facts
- The trial is called Operation Blue Skies and will run for 30 months with testing during the next two winters.
- Flights crossing the Shanwick Oceanic Control Area between Europe and North America will be part of the study.
- About 10,000 flights pass through this airspace during the tests, with 1% to 5% of flights altering their altitude by up to 2,000 feet (610 meters).
- Contrails form when planes fly through cold, humid air, causing ice crystals to develop around engine soot, which traps heat in the atmosphere.
- Google UK provides AI-powered forecasts to predict contrail-forming regions.
- The UK government funds over half of the study’s cost, around £5 million ($6.76 million).
- Contrails contribute roughly 1% to 2% of global warming, and reducing them could help lower the aviation sector’s climate impact.
- Previous individual airline tests showed altitude changes reduced contrail formation; this trial expands efforts to control contrails over a larger airspace.
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