Contrails are a problem for aviation – but there could be an easy solution

Jacopo Prisco
By Jacopo Prisco, CNN
5 minute read
Published 4:23 AM EST, Thu January 12, 2023
Satavia, a company based in Cambridge, England, has developed software and analytics to reduce the formation of contrails, the streaky clouds that have a significant impact on climate.
Satavia, a company based in Cambridge, England, has developed software and analytics to reduce the formation of contrails, the streaky clouds that have a significant impact on climate.
ALEXANDER KLEIN/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Contrails are ice clouds, and form only under particular atmospheric conditions. They look harmless, but one study calculated that they could actually account for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231020305689" target="_blank" target="_blank">almost 60% of aviation's impact the on climate</a>.
Contrails are ice clouds, and form only under particular atmospheric conditions. They look harmless, but one study calculated that they could actually account for almost 60% of aviation's impact the on climate.
Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Etihad's Greenliner program first tested Satavia's software on a commercial flight in October 2021. Along with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and several other technologies, the carbon emissions of that particular flight were reduced by 72%, the airline says.
Etihad's Greenliner program first tested Satavia's software on a commercial flight in October 2021. Along with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and several other technologies, the carbon emissions of that particular flight were reduced by 72%, the airline says.
Etihad
As aviation attempts to decarbonize, a new generation of aircraft that does away with fossil fuels is emerging. Among them is solar-powered Skydweller, which is based off Solar Impulse 2, an aircraft that has set numerous flight records.
As aviation attempts to decarbonize, a new generation of aircraft that does away with fossil fuels is emerging. Among them is solar-powered Skydweller, which is based off Solar Impulse 2, an aircraft that has set numerous flight records.
Skydweller Aero Inc.
Skydweller Aero aims to produce the world's first commercially viable "pseudo-satellite" -- a solar-powered airplane capable of staying in the sky for months at a time. Skydweller is pictured landing after its first flight, in December 2020. The men on bikes are there to stabilize the aircraft by catching the poles protruding from the wing, a necessary step because of its tremendous wingspan.
Skydweller Aero aims to produce the world's first commercially viable "pseudo-satellite" -- a solar-powered airplane capable of staying in the sky for months at a time. Skydweller is pictured landing after its first flight, in December 2020. The men on bikes are there to stabilize the aircraft by catching the poles protruding from the wing, a necessary step because of its tremendous wingspan.
Skydweller Aero Inc.
In 2016, Solar Impulse 2 circumnavigated the Earth without using a drop of fuel. It's pictured here on July 26, 2016, before landing in Abu Dhabi to complete its 26,000-mile (42,000-kilometer) journey.
In 2016, Solar Impulse 2 circumnavigated the Earth without using a drop of fuel. It's pictured here on July 26, 2016, before landing in Abu Dhabi to complete its 26,000-mile (42,000-kilometer) journey.
Jean Revillard/Solar Impulse 2/Getty Images
ZEROe is a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/airbus-zero-emissions-concept-plane/index.html" target="_blank">zero-emission concept aircraft from Airbus</a>.
ZEROe is a zero-emission concept aircraft from Airbus.
Airbus
Airbus plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035.
Airbus plans for three hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft which can carry 100 to 200 passengers. It hopes to launch the first ZEROe aircraft in 2035.
Courtesy Airbus
On September 24 2020, ZeroAvia flew the world's largest hydrogen-powered aircraft at Cranfield Airport in England, showing the possibilities of hydrogen fuel for aviation.
On September 24 2020, ZeroAvia flew the world's largest hydrogen-powered aircraft at Cranfield Airport in England, showing the possibilities of hydrogen fuel for aviation.
ZeroAvia
While some are exploring hydrogen power, others are testing electric planes. Washington State-based Eviation Aircraft is behind the nine-passenger all-electric Alice aircraft, which produces no carbon emissions.
While some are exploring hydrogen power, others are testing electric planes. Washington State-based Eviation Aircraft is behind the nine-passenger all-electric Alice aircraft, which produces no carbon emissions.
Eviation Aircraft
The aircraft, shown here as a rendering, has a range of 440 miles and is intended for feeder routes. It also comes in a cargo version; DHL Express has ordered 12 slated for service in 2024..
The aircraft, shown here as a rendering, has a range of 440 miles and is intended for feeder routes. It also comes in a cargo version; DHL Express has ordered 12 slated for service in 2024..
Eviation Aircraft
Alice's innovative interior won the "Cabin Concepts" category at the Crystal Cabin Award 2020.
Alice's innovative interior won the "Cabin Concepts" category at the Crystal Cabin Award 2020.
Courtesy Crystal Cabin Award