Cathay Pacific and Google Team Up to Tackle Contrails with AI

Cathay Pacific has partnered with Google to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) predictive technology in reducing contrail climate impact. The airline's first-phase trial, which began in late 2025, involved over 100 flights that were adjusted to avoid airspace prone to contrail formation. This resulted in an estimated 40% reduction in the climate warming effect attributable to contrails.

The partnership combines satellite imagery with weather data and AI predictive models to forecast areas where contrails are likely to form. Flight dispatchers and pilots can then adjust flight altitudes to avoid these areas, similar to how they navigate around turbulence.

Cathay Pacific emphasized that it is addressing climate challenges through a multi-pronged strategy, including modernizing its fleet, adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and researching non-CO2 emissions. The airline noted that the marginal cost of adjusting flight altitudes is extremely low yet can deliver quantifiable climate benefits on specific routes.