Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has been selected to provide the Flight Management System (FMS) and the Aircraft Environment Surveillance System (AESS) for Airbus's new long-range, wide-body A350XWB aircraft.  The contract is expected to generate more than $1.5 billion (including aftermarket) in revenue for Honeywell over the life of the program.

Honeywell's AESS, the first and only integrated surveillance system to obtain FAA Technical Standard Order approval, combines the Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Mode S transponders, Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and Advanced 3-D Volumetric Weather Radar (RDR-4000) into a single unit – offering pilots increased situational awareness to reduce workload and maximize route and fuel efficiency.  Honeywell's AESS reduces system weight by more than 20% and saves more than 50% in aircraft space by combining systems traditionally housed in as many as eight avionics boxes into two boxes.  It is certified and operating on all delivered Airbus A380 aircraft, and will be enhanced for the A350XWB.

"Honeywell's five decade long commitment to aviation safety and flight management innovation are reflected in the products chosen by Airbus for their new A350XWB," said Garrett Mikita, President, Honeywell's Air Transport and Regional Business.  "Delivering safety information to pilots is critical, and Honeywell continues to advance flight safety by creating this system that not only surrounds pilots with the key information they need such as weather, traffic and terrain, but also integrates these systems into lighter weight, more cost-effective platforms."

Honeywell's 3-D Volumetric Weather Radar is the first and only weather radar system certified to the FAA's Enhanced Turbulence Detection Minimum Operation Performance Standard (MOPS).  Pilots are better informed of air turbulence and can make more informed route decisions – thereby increasing passenger safety and decreasing turbulence-related costs due to injuries and aircraft inspections.  The 3-D scanning provide a complete view of weather across a 320 nautical-mile range, enabling pilots to maneuvering and re-route sooner due to weather.

Honeywell's Flight Management System is at the heart of an integrated system of sensors and displays that acts as the brains of the aircraft, allowing the flight crew to handle the in-flight details of flight planning, navigation and performance optimization that keeps the aircraft flying smoothly and efficiently.  With a triple redundant architecture, the A350XWB FMS will ensure availability during all phases of flight, especially during low RNP (Required Navigation Performance) procedures that are predicted to become more commonplace to reduce air traffic congestion and increase safety at airports throughout the world.

In September 2007, Honeywell was selected by Airbus to provide advanced Air Management Systems and auxiliary power unit technologies for the Airbus A350XWB in a deal valued at $16.5 billion.  Honeywell will design and build an auxiliary power unit (APU) and provide the APU Installation Kit and APU Starter-Generator.  These integrated systems supply pneumatic and electric power for the aircraft while on the ground or in flight. 

The company will also provide integrated systems to manage all of the air used on the aircraft for environmental control, including cabin heating and cooling, and cabin pressurization for increased passenger comfort and safety.  The Air Management System, specifically designed for Airbus A350XWB, builds on Honeywell's more than 50 years of providing integrated aircraft systems.

"The AESS and FMS for the A350XWB reflect a new supplier relationship with Airbus similar to the approach that is already in place on the A350XWB mechanical systems," Mikita said.  "We will deliver mature systems ready for aircraft installation, not just components or parts.  This relationship will help Airbus manage its costs as it brings this new aircraft to market."  

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.