Honeywell is collaborating with Boeing and the University of Reading on a project funded by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme to develop an aircraft-based prototype sensor. The project, named Project MIST, aims to improve understanding and mitigation of the climate impacts of contrails—ice crystal clouds formed when hot engine exhaust mixes with cold air.
Honeywell will lead sensor hardware integration and systems engineering, leveraging its UK facilities. Boeing will contribute aircraft integration, test expertise, and knowledge of contrail mitigation. The University of Reading will provide contrail modelling and climate analysis.
“There is a clear need across the aviation ecosystem for more accurate, high-frequency atmospheric data collected in flight,” said Anthony Florian, President of Honeywell Aerospace for Europe, Middle East, Africa & India.
Current humidity sensors have limited capabilities, creating data gaps that affect contrail forecasting. The project will develop a prototype humidity sensor to help validate weather models and support contrail-avoidance strategies.
“Our aircraft already serve as meteorological platforms,” said Dr. Tia Benson Tolle, Boeing’s Director of Product Development Sustainability. “We are excited to work on a new water vapor sensor capability, as humidity observations are essential to improve weather and contrail forecasting.”
The collaboration aligns with the ATI’s Non-CO2 Technologies Roadmap and the UK’s Jet Zero goal. Honeywell will lead the project from its Yeovil facility.
