Contrails report supports mitigation efforts

CANSO has published a new report examining how the air traffic management (ATM) industry can support efforts to mitigate the climate impact of aviation contrails through greater collaboration, improved data sharing and operational innovation.

The publication, Collaborative Solutions to Mitigating Contrails within Air Traffic Management, explores the growing focus on non-CO2 aviation emissions and highlights the important role ATM can play in supporting contrail mitigation strategies while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

The report outlines current industry thinking on contrail formation, the operational challenges associated with mitigation measures, and the need for close coordination between air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airlines, meteorological organisations, regulators and technology partners.

It also examines emerging operational concepts, including the potential use of tactical altitude adjustments and improved meteorological forecasting to reduce the formation of persistent contrails in areas where they may have the greatest climate impact.

Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager, CANSO, said: “As aviation continues its journey towards net-zero emissions, it is important that the industry also addresses the wider climate impact of operations, including contrails. This publication brings together operational perspectives from across the ATM community and highlights the importance of collaboration, data sharing and further research to ensure mitigation measures can be implemented safely, effectively and at scale.”

The publication is available to download from the CANSO website.