Contrails

”In an effort to minimise the impact of aviation on the environment, Maastricht UAC will be running a contrail prevention trial from 16 JUN 2025 until 30 NOV 2025.

During night time 2200 (2100) - 0500 (0400) flights may be tactically requested to deviate from the planned/requested flight level by the sector controller using phraseology: for contrail prevention climb/descend.

Any flight flying via Maastricht UAC sectors between these times may be chosen.

The trial will go ahead dependent on the weather conditions.

For tactical enquiries contact Maastricht UAC +31 43 366 1428.

NOTAM D0296/25 is hereby cancelled.”

Interesting — but which is more detrimental to the environment: contrails at night, or the excess fuel burned at lower levels? Or even the additional fuel stop due to lack of fuel? It will be an interesting test, but they’d better realise that many ultra–long-haul flights rely on altitude optimisation and often have limited fuel reserves on arrival.