Cathay Pacific and Google are expanding trials of an AI-powered system designed to help reduce the climate impact of aircraft contrails.
The technology combines AI, satellite imagery and weather data to identify areas where persistent contrails are likely to form, allowing pilots to make small altitude adjustments to avoid them.
An initial trial involving more than 100 Cathay Pacific flights reportedly reduced the warming impact of contrails by about 40%. The companies will now expand testing across Cathay’s Asian and transpacific network.
The initiative highlights how AI could provide airlines with a practical tool to address aviation’s non-CO₂ climate impact while improving environmental efficiency.
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