American Airlines and Google say AI helped airplanes reduce contrails that trap heat - AP News

American Airlines and Google have collaborated on an AI system that helps reduce aircraft contrails—the ice-crystal clouds trailing behind planes that contribute to climate warming. The technology uses machine learning to optimize flight paths and altitudes, allowing pilots to avoid atmospheric conditions where contrails form most readily. Contrails trap heat in the atmosphere similar to greenhouse gases, making their reduction a potential climate mitigation tool. The partnership represents a practical application of AI to address aviation's environmental footprint without requiring new aircraft or fuel types. The effort signals growing corporate investment in using artificial intelligence to tackle climate-related challenges in industries that are difficult to decarbonize.