Artificial Intelligence Helps Reduce Plane Contrails, Combatting Global Warming
In a new study, it has been discovered that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to prevent planes from creating planet-warming contrails. The impact of contrails on global warming is still being studied, but recent research suggests that these feathery streaks in the sky contribute to about 35% of the aviation industry’s climate impact.
American Airlines, in collaboration with Google and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, conducted a study to explore how AI could reduce contrail formation. They developed contrail forecast maps using satellite imagery, weather information, and flight path data to identify the flight routes that have the most significant contrail impact.
Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability at American Airlines, explained that while some contrails naturally dissipate, persisting contrails can have a significant warming effect. By making slight altitude adjustments during flights based on the AI contrail forecast maps, pilots were able to decrease contrail creation by over 50%.
During a series of 70 test flights conducted from January to June 2023, pilots utilized the AI data to make these slight altitude adjustments and successfully avoided contrail formation. The results of the study were released in August 2023.
Blickstein initially had concerns about how these adjustments would impact flights. However, she found the process to be easier than she expected. She compared it to pilots descending to avoid turbulence and highlighted that flight planning involves considering various factors regularly.
Although preventing contrails is crucial for combating global warming, there are tradeoffs to consider. Descending during flights results in burning approximately 2% extra fuel, according to the Google research team. This impact on fuel consumption must be taken seriously as carbon dioxide emissions contribute to climate change.
The aviation industry is responsible for around 3.5% of human-caused climate change. Therefore, it is crucial to address contrails alongside other emissions from fossil fuels. However, not all flights need to avoid contrails, as only about 15% of flights contribute significantly to this issue.
Ensuring safety during these altitude adjustments is of utmost importance. Pilots must obtain permission from the FAA tower before descending to prevent contrail formation. Blickstein acknowledged the need for efficiency and suggested integrating these maneuvers into a pilot’s flight plan before takeoff to avoid additional burdens on control towers.
The study’s success has opened up discussions with other airlines, and American Airlines plans to test contrail avoidance on longer, overnight flights. Blickstein believes that this approach could become a widespread practice within the aviation industry within the next two to five years.
Addressing contrail formation through AI and altitude adjustments offers a cost-effective strategy to mitigate the warming effects of contrails. By leveraging technology and collaboration, the aviation industry can play its part in reducing its environmental impact.
