August 4, 2025

DLR publication on the reduction of contrails by SAF wins the ACP Paul Crutzen Award 2024

View from the DLR Falcon during a chase flight to detect contrails
Measurements in the turbulent air just behind an aircraft flying ahead are not trivial.
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DLR Falcon 20 research aircraft
The nose boom allows meteorological measurements to be taken undisturbed by the airflow around the aircraft. The instruments in the cabin are supplied with outside air via inlets on the roof. Optical probes are mounted under the wings.
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DLR Falcon 20 research aircraft performing in situ measurements following an Airbus A350-941 source aircraft
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(c) Airbus

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An independent panel of the renowned journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP) has awarded the publication "Powering aircraft with 100 % sustainable aviation fuel reduces ice crystals in contrails” of Märkl et al. (2024) with the Paul Crutzen Award 2024 . The measurements were conducted under the leadership of DLR together with the industry partners Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Neste. The study presents innovative aircraft-based measurements of the effect of SAF on particle emissions and the number of ice crystals in contrails, as well simulations of the resulting contrail climate forcing reduction (see also "Flying using 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel significantly reduces non-carbon-dioxide emissions"). The judges acknowledge the "fundamental measurement of the very large effect of SAF on cirrus ice particle concentrations, with a quantified effect on climate." They highlight the importance of the measurements for modelling studies that will investigate the future SAF effect on climate. The Paul Crutzen Publication Award is intended "to recognize an outstanding publication in ACP that advances our understanding of atmospheric chemistry and physics".

Kontakt

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Christiane Voigt

Abteilungsleiterin
Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre
Wolkenphysik
Münchner Straße 20, 82234 Oberpfaffenhofen-Wessling