Project Contrails
AI-driven route advice that helps pilots avoid climate-warming contrails through small altitude adjustments.
About
Google Research combines weather forecasts, satellite imagery, and machine learning to predict zones where persistent contrails may form. In a randomized trial across 2,400 commercial flights, offering advice resulted in 11.6 percent fewer contrails. For the 112 flights that actually flew the recommended route, the reduction was 62 percent. Researchers factored in additional fuel use in the climate assessment.
AI factor
The models predict where and when the atmosphere is sensitive to contrails. Pilots and air traffic control decide whether a small route or altitude change is safe and practical.
Sources
Inspiration sourced from AI For Good. Not an Arnaldus customer case.