# Google and UK aviation contrail AI trial > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/google-and-uk-aviation-contrail-ai-trial > Updated: 2026-09-07T09:07:57.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 3. Google and the UK government have launched ‘Operation Blue Skies’, a £5 million, 30-month program aimed at reducing the climate impact of aviation contrails. The initiative focuses on the Shanwick Oceanic airspace in the North Atlantic, a corridor contributing to approximately 5% of global warming caused by contrails. The project utilizes artificial intelligence to predict meteorological conditions and identify high-risk atmospheric zones where contrails are likely to form. During two four-month testing windows scheduled for the winters of 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, air traffic controllers will instruct certain commercial flights to make minor altitude adjustments, typically around 2,000 feet, to avoid moisture-prone areas. While these adjustments may slightly increase fuel consumption, experts suggest the climate benefits will outweigh the costs. Contrails—formed when hot jet exhaust meets cold, humid air—can create artificial clouds that trap heat; scientists estimate that contrail-induced warming accounts for approximately one-third of aviation’s total climate impact. The efficacy of the technology will be evaluated by a consortium including Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, while the UK Met Office and NATS are involved in the effort to improve contrail forecasting and flight rerouting. In September 2026, Google and Cathay Pacific announced an expansion of AI testing to mitigate contrail impacts on ultra-long-haul flights in the Asia-Pacific region. Utilizing predictive models, satellite imagery, and weather data, early-stage operational trials on routes such as Hong Kong to Singapore reportedly showed a ‘40 percent reduction in the warming effect of contrails’. This technology is designed to be compatible with existing aircraft and fuels. ## Claims - Google is launching Operation Blue Skies to reduce climate-damaging contrails. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The project uses artificial intelligence to predict and avoid contrail formation by adjusting flight altitudes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Contrails are estimated to account for approximately one-third of aviation's total climate impact. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The project will last for 30 months. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The trial will take place in the Shanwick airspace over the North Atlantic. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Partners include the UK government, NATS, the Met Office, and the Universities of Cambridge and Imperial College London. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The project has a value of £5 million. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Google and Cathay Pacific expand AI trial to reduce aircraft contrail warming Google and Cathay Pacific are expanding AI trials in the Asia-Pacific to reduce aircraft contrail warming by an estimated 40% through strategic altitude adjustments. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-and-cathay-pacific-expand-ai-contrail-avoidance-tests ### 2026-08-20: Google and UK launch AI project to reduce aviation contrails Google and the UK government are launching ‘Operation Blue Skies’, using AI to reroute transatlantic flights to avoid creating climate-warming contrails. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-to-test-ai-technology-to-reduce-aviation-contrails ### 2026-08-18: Google and UK launch AI trial to reduce aviation contrails Google and the UK government have launched Operation Blue Skies, an AI-driven trial to reduce aviation's climate impact by using altitude adjustments to prevent the formation of warming contrails over the North 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/google-and-uk-government-launch-ai-trial-to-prevent-airplane-contrails --- Cite as: Google and UK aviation contrail AI trial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/google-and-uk-aviation-contrail-ai-trial