ApplicationsUS · United States
Cathay Pacific and Google Expand AI Trials to Reduce Climate-Warming Aircraft Contrails
Cathay Pacific and Google are expanding trials of an AI-powered technology aimed at reducing climate-warming aircraft contrails. The trials, which began in late 2025, use Google's AI forecasting tools to identify areas where contrails are likely to form and help pilots adjust flight altitude accordingly. Initial tests on over 80 Cathay flights achieved an estimated 40% reduction in contrail warming impact. Cathay Pacific is Google's first commercial airline partner in Asia-Pacific for this technology and the first globally to test contrail avoidance on ultra-long-haul flights. Persistent contrails are estimated to account for about one-third of aviation's total climate impact.