UK Tests AI Contrail Avoidance

Operation Blue Skies will test whether AI-guided altitude and route changes can reduce persistent warming contrails over North Atlantic airspace.

Beginning in winter 2026, the UK-led project will use weather, flight and satellite data to advise selected flights away from conditions where contrails are likely to form, while researchers measure the effects on contrails, fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions. The trial could provide operational evidence on whether targeted contrail avoidance can complement other aviation climate measures.