Story perspectives

UK and Google Start Blue Skies Contrail Trial in 2026

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK government and Google launched Operation Blue Skies to adjust aircraft altitudes and avoid contrails over Shanwick, starting November 2026.
The trial uses routine altitude changes, adding under 1 % fuel—about 100 kg per aircraft—and reroutes 1-5 % of 10,000 winter flights.
Funding totals £5 million, with £2.65 million from the UK Department for Transport and £1.4 million from Google.
Google will supply AI-generated atmospheric forecasts and says contrail climate benefits outweigh the modest CO2 increase.

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Story summary

The UK government and Google launched Operation Blue Skies to adjust aircraft altitudes and avoid contrails over Shanwick, starting November 2026.
The trial uses routine altitude changes, adding under 1 % fuel—about 100 kg per aircraft—and reroutes 1-5 % of 10,000 winter flights.
Funding totals £5 million, with £2.65 million from the UK Department for Transport and £1.4 million from Google.
Google will supply AI-generated atmospheric forecasts and says contrail climate benefits outweigh the modest CO2 increase.