Integrating realistic 3D aircraft trajectory optimization with climate impact metrics for sustainable aviation

Aviation’s non-CO 2 emissions, such as contrails and NO x , contribute significantly to its climate impact and present substantial mitigation potential despite their uncertainties. Addressing the impacts of these uncertainties requires a robust simulation framework that accounts for realistic flight planning, aircraft performance, airspace structures, weather conditions, and model uncertainties. This study introduces a novel trajectory optimization method, extending the Fast Marching Tree algorithm to generate realistic 3D aircraft trajectories in structured and free-route airspaces. The method incorporates precise aircraft performance modeling, operational considerations such as a realistic flight management system, and detailed emissions estimations, including CO 2 and non-CO 2 impacts. By integrating weather uncertainties and their effects on mitigation potential, the study offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of climate-conscious trajectory planning. This work lays the foundation for more accurate evaluations of aviation’s climate impact and acts as an enabler to support the development of future robust mitigation strategies that could be included in flight planning tools. • MFMT*, an improved Fast Marching Tree algorithm for realistic 3D flight paths. • 3D aircraft trajectoriy optimization in both structured and free-route airspaces. • Flight planning minimizing CO 2 and non-CO 2 climate impacts including contrails. • Simulation framework for aircraft performance, emissions, and climate impact. • Estimation of the impact of weather-induced uncertainties.