To tackle aviation’s non-CO2 climate effects, Honeywell, Boeing, and the University of Reading have partnered on Project MIST, funded by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). The initiative will develop an aircraft-based humidity sensor prototype to enhance contrail forecasting and weather modeling—critical steps toward reducing the climate impact of persistent contrails.
Current humidity sensors do not consistently capture the temperature and moisture conditions that drive contrail formation. Project MIST aims to close these data gaps by creating a sensing capability that can be integrated onto commercial aircraft. Honeywell leads sensor integration and systems engineering from its Yeovil facility, drawing on its aerospace heritage. Boeing contributes aircraft integration and operational expertise from its Bristol and Seattle teams. The University of Reading applies its leading meteorological research to refine contrail models.
The collaboration aligns with the ATI’s Non-CO2 Technologies Roadmap and supports the UK’s Jet Zero strategy. Industry Minister Chris McDonald highlighted the project’s importance for sustainable aviation, while leaders from all three partners underscored that better in-flight humidity data is essential for future contrail mitigation and regulatory readiness.
