Google Launches Operation Blue Skies to Reduce Contrails

Google is partnering with the UK government to test AI-powered flight path adjustments to mitigate aviation contrails. The 30-month project, Operation Blue Skies, will utilize AI forecasting models to identify atmospheric regions where contrails form over the North Atlantic. Trials are scheduled to take place during the winters of 2026-27 and 2027-28.

The initiative involves rerouting one to five percent of the 10,000 annual flights crossing the Shanwick airspace. Google is contributing £1.4 million to the project.