A Chat with Nexus Lab

Contrail management presents an excellent opportunity to reduce a major part of aviation’s climate impact. This opportunity is so great because action can be taken now, the technology exists, and interest is growing. While work still needs to be done before wide-scale implementation, there are a few organizations out there doing that work, paving the way to make contrail management a part of daily flight. One such organization is Nexus Lab, a tech start-up that focuses on using flight data to reduce contrails and optimize flight routes. 

Founded in 2022, this nascent company is dedicated to decreasing the climate impact of contrails and has already made outstanding strides to do so. We recently had the pleasure to meet and chat with Omar Nuruzade and Gular Ismayilova, two of the cofounders of Nexus Lab, and they shared some details on the company, its journey, and their plans for the future. It was an interesting discussion, and we learned a lot. We’re excited to share what we’ve learned. Here are just a few highlights:

  • Nexus Lab is a software company based in the U.S. that uses machine learning to analyze flight and meteorological data to predict contrail formation regions and strategically route flights around those regions.
  • They gather data using CoCiP, APCEMM, and aCCFs; prediction models that measure aircraft emissions and analyze weather patterns which, when used together, generate a more accurate forecast for flight planning.
  • Currently, one European airline is using their software in the form of a tablet for pilots, and they are in discussions with others in the U.S. and Europe to begin implementation.
  • As a method of outreach, they have been participating in business competitions and are the 2022 winners of the ACT in Space competition as well as the 2023 Creative Business Cup. They will look to continue participating in such competitions to raise awareness of their company and its work.
  • Though winning these competitions, they still face the challenge of finding first-movers who want to join their program. The small team at Nexus Lab is seeking funding to develop their business, but the uncertainties around contrail mitigation cause executives to be cautious about going public with contrail initiatives.
  • Since these uncertainties prevent executive action, Nexus Lab wants to develop their software to better predict regions of humidity at altitude and remedy the prevailing uncertainties surrounding contrail management.
  • Thus far they have received positive feedback from both pilots and ATM on their software and are working to get it operating on more real-time flights.

There is a definite demand for the software that they have developed and that demand is only going to grow with the awareness of the impact of warming contrails. Their work with the prediction models will aid in improving their accuracy and ultimately lead to consistently reliable data to adjust and optimize flight routes.  It’s encouraging to hear their dedication to making a difference in the aerospace sector, and we hope it inspires others to take action. Omar and Gular are passionate about contrails and mitigating their impact. We support the work that they are doing and look forward to continuing our dialogue with them to keep track of their progress.

TAKE ACTION