Google and Cathay Pacific test AI tool to cut contrails
Google and Cathay Pacific are now running a large trial to steer airplanes around patches where contrails—those white streaks you see behind jets—form and contribute to warming. Over 80 flights in Asia-Pacific used Google's AI-powered forecasts and adjusted their altitude in response. Early results: about a 40% estimated drop in warming from contrails, no reported impact on safety or passenger experience.
- Asia-Pacific is the world's fastest growing air market
- The trial used AI predictions and weather satellite data
- Cathay Pacific feeds forecasts to pilots via cockpit tools
- Over 100 flights are targeted, 80 flown using new routes
- The system doesn't disrupt normal airline operations
Sources covering this
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