Airbus is on the TRAIL of myths about high-altitude jet emissions

'DISCUSSIONS ARE HEATING UP OVER WHETHER AND HOW TO REGULATE NON-CO2 EMISSIONS'

- By OWEN HUGHES

"EVER wonder about those white lines in the sky?" That's the question Airbus posed this week on social media.

Before anyone gets concerned, the aerospace giant hasn't gone down the 'chemtrails' conspiracy hole but is keen to tackle the negative impact of “contrails”.

Scientists and aviation leaders including Airbus are studying how to reduce aircraft non-CO2 emissions.

Explaining 'contrails, they said: "Burning jet fuel always creates both carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-CO2 emissions. In certain conditions, water vapour and some non-CO2 emissions such as soot or other particulate matters combine to form condensation trails. Commonly known as 'contrails, these are the white streaks visible behind aircraft at altitude.

"On average, contrails heat the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. However, some contrails can have a cooling effect, depending on when and where they form and how long they last. It’s thought that a relatively small number of flights create the majority of warming contrails."