Impact
A4Climate is expected to deliver significant and measurable contributions to climate-neutral aviation in Europe and beyond. The project’s results will support both immediate and long-term climate action through the following key impacts:
Rapid Reduction of Aviation’s Climate Impact
By enabling contrail avoidance in daily operations, A4Climate could cut aviation’s effective radiative forcing by up to 50% within the next 5–10 years, using existing aircraft and infrastructure.
Scientific Support for Sustainable Technologies
The project will provide new insights into contrail formation under low-soot conditions, helping assess the climate impact of modern lean-burn engines, SAF, and future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Improved Weather and Contrail Forecasting
By enhancing humidity and cirrus cloud forecasts, A4Climate will increase the reliability of contrail predictions, which is essential for climate-optimized flight planning and for operational integration into Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems.
Tools for Airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers
A4Climate will deliver open-access decision-support software that helps airlines and ATM balance climate benefits with fuel use and cost, enabling informed route planning.
Policy Readiness and Contribution to EU Climate Goals
The results will feed directly into EU policy initiatives, including the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for aviation non-CO₂ effects and the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. A4Climate will provide evidence-based recommendations for climate mitigation measures.
Stakeholder and Public Engagement
Through workshops, open data, and clear communication, A4Climate will raise awareness and foster adoption of contrail mitigation strategies across the aviation sector and among European citizens.