We cannot effectively implement contrail management without flight planning software that makes in-flight avoidance of contrail forming regions operationally possible. This technology is not yet available industry-wide, and it will require diligence on behalf of flight planners to develop necessary technology to incorporate contrail avoidance into all flight plans. Flightkeys, a company which specializes in flight planning, is tackling that challenge and working to prove that contrail mitigation can be successfully integrated into the flight planning process.
We were able to connect with Raimund Zopp and Alejandra Martín Frías and get some insights into their efforts to alleviate some of the many uncertainties surrounding the delicate dance of incorporating contrails into flight management. We had the pleasure of chatting with Alejandra, Flightkeys’ Head of Sustainability, who filled us in on how they’re making contrail avoidance a reality. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation:
- Flightkeys utilizes the Contrail Cirrus Prediction model (CoCiP) alongside their 5D flight planning tool to optimize flight management with enhanced in-flight trajectory and a focus on sustainability.
- They are working with airlines across the U.S., Europe, and even New Zealand to run contrail avoidance trials.
- The uncertainties surrounding contrail avoidance hinder some airlines from publicly announcing their support, but Flightkeys is still making excellent progress in eliminating some of those uncertainties with their current partners.
- They are undertaking flight simulations to refine their models, and looking into possible live trails in the years to come.
- They work with Google and Breakthrough Energy to validate flight plans and analyze the data from trial flights to track the software’s effectiveness.
- Alejandra and Raimund have recently published a research report with Marc Shapiro of Breakthrough Energy, which analyzes the operational feasibility of using their flight planning systems in real time and addresses some of the costs – both financial and fuel-based – associated with flight rerouting.
Clearly, Flightkeys is at the forefront of research and development of contrail management tools. Their 5D flight planning system is the perfect tool for drafting pre-tactical flight plans aiming to actively avoid regions in which contrails are most likely to form. Studies like the one mentioned are a great way to refine the prediction models and provide some definitive proof of the efficacy of contrail avoidance.
We understand there is hesitancy in the industry to disrupt the complicated practice of flight management. However, Alejandra and the team have assessed the risks of shaking up the status quo, and in her opinion, “the risk is so low and the potential benefit could be so big that it’s still worth considering.”1 Progress loves risk, so we at ETL support Flightkeys’ innovative work in the flight planning space and will be following them closely.
[1] Aerospace Ambition Podcast with Alejandra | https://aambition.de/2024/02/02/6-flight-planning-meets-contrail-management-feat-alejandra-martin-frias-flightkeys/