Honeywell, Boeing and the University of Reading have announced a joint research initiative to develop advanced aircraft-based sensing technology aimed at improving the understanding and mitigation of contrails and their climate impact. The project, known as Project MIST, is supported by funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme.
The collaboration focuses on developing a prototype humidity sensor capable of collecting high-frequency atmospheric data during flight. This data is expected to significantly enhance contrail prediction models and improve the accuracy of weather forecasting systems. Contrails—formed when aircraft exhaust interacts with cold, high-altitude air—are increasingly recognized for their contribution to aviation’s non-CO₂ environmental effects.
Honeywell will lead system design, sensor integration and engineering activities, drawing on its extensive experience in developing airborne sensing technologies. The work will be anchored at Honeywell’s Yeovil facility in the UK, supported by its broader aerospace engineering network.
Boeing will provide aircraft integration expertise and support testing under real-world operating conditions. Its teams in Bristol, with additional support from the United States, will help evaluate sensor performance and contribute insights into contrail formation and mitigation strategies.
The University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology will contribute its longstanding expertise in atmospheric science, climate modelling and aviation emissions research. The university will focus on analysing how improved in-flight data can strengthen predictive models and support future strategies to reduce aviation-related climate impacts.
The initiative addresses a critical gap in current aviation data systems. Existing onboard sensors provide limited humidity measurements, restricting the accuracy of contrail forecasting. By advancing sensing capabilities that can be deployed across commercial fleets, Project MIST aims to enable more informed operational decisions and support emerging contrail avoidance practices.
The project aligns with broader industry and government efforts to tackle aviation’s environmental footprint. It supports the ATI Programme’s Non-CO₂ Technologies Roadmap and contributes to the UK’s long-term goal of achieving net zero aviation emissions.
In addition to advancing scientific understanding, the programme is expected to strengthen the UK’s aerospace innovation ecosystem by supporting high-value engineering and research activities. It also reinforces collaboration between industry and academia to translate scientific research into practical, deployable technologies. With growing global attention on sustainable aviation, Project MIST represents a significant step toward equipping the industry with the tools needed to better manage and reduce the climate impact of air travel.
Honeywell operates as a diversified technology company with a presence across multiple industries and global markets. Its business strategy is shaped by major trends such as automation, the evolution of aviation, and the transition to sustainable energy. Supported by its Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform, the company delivers practical solutions through its key divisions, including aerospace technologies, industrial automation, building technologies, and energy and sustainability. Through these capabilities, Honeywell works with organizations to address complex challenges while enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Boeing is a global aerospace leader engaged in the design, production, and servicing of commercial aircraft, defence systems, and space technologies for customers worldwide. Operating in more than 150 countries, the company relies on an extensive international supplier network to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. In the United Kingdom, Boeing employs over 6,000 people across a wide range of roles and maintains its largest supply chain base outside the United States, having invested more than £15 billion with over 970 local suppliers since 2015.
