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Google and Cathay Pacific Expand AI Trial to Avoid Warming Contrails

September 8, 2026 at 21:15 EDT

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Google and Cathay Pacific are expanding an AI-powered flight-planning trial that steers aircraft away from atmospheric conditions that produce warming contrails. More than 80 flights in the initial test followed avoidance routes, and Google estimates they cut the warming impact of contrails by roughly 40%.

Sep 7, 2026 · Google + Cathay Pacific

AI-guided routes avoid warming contrails

More than 80 flights followed AI-guided avoidance routes in an early trial, with an estimated 40% reduction in contrail-warming impact.

40%

estimated lower warming impact

80+

flights followed routes

100+

flights targeted

>50%

Hong Kong–Singapore share

What the early estimate means

Same baseline, different route outcome

100%

baseline warming impact

60%

estimated after avoidance

Takeaway: The early estimate represents roughly 40% less contrail-warming impact on the tested flights.

How the system works

Forecast risk, adjust the route, then check the result.

STEP 1

Forecast zones

AI, weather and satellite data

→

STEP 2

Plan route

Dispatchers review conditions

→

STEP 3

Adjust altitude

Crews avoid cold, humid zones

→

STEP 4

Verify result

Satellite imagery checks outcomes

Operational upside

• Uses today’s aircraft and fuel

• Forecasts reach the cockpit through Wi-Fi and EFF

Open constraints

• Airspace and payload restrictions

• More trials needed across airlines and airspace

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