RAeS Greener by Design Specialist Group Webinar - Contrail Management: Exploding the fuel penalty myth

This RAeS Greener by Design Specialist Group webinar explores contrail management and challenges the commonly held belief that aircraft incur a fuel penalty when deviating to avoid contrails. The session examines a fundamental misconception in aviation: that commercial aircraft fly minimum fuel routes. In reality, aircraft operate on economically optimum routes that balance the competing costs of fuel consumption and flight time. The webinar investigates the practical implications of altitude changes, speed adjustments, and atmospheric characteristics on fuel requirements when implementing contrail avoidance strategies under real operational conditions. The presentation will provide insights into how airlines can potentially manage contrails whilst maintaining economic efficiency. This webinar is free to attend for both Royal Aeronautical Society members and non-members. It forms part of the RAeS's charitable mission to share aerospace knowledge, inspire future professionals, and promote understanding of aviation across the wider community. The session will be delivered by Professor Ian Poll, Emeritus Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Cranfield University, who brings over 50 years of experience in aeronautics. Professor Poll has held numerous prestigious positions, including RAeS President (2001) and President of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (2008-10). He has served on several Government Advisory Committees and is an Honorary Fellow of the AIAA and ICAS. The webinar is part of a broader Greener by Design series running through November 2026, covering topics including hydrogen for fuel cell aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel mandates, and UK trials for contrail management.