Honeywell Fuel-Efficient APU Selected by China Southern Airlines for A320 Aircraft
16-Sep-2009 Auxiliary Power Unit Can Reduce Fuel Consumption by 5 Percent
Honeywell HON announced today that it will provide Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) to China Southern Airlines for new Airbus A320 and Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, as well as supply APU materials, spares and service on existing China Southern aircraft in a contract valued at more than $65 million for 192 aircraft.
China Southern selected Honeywell's 131-9A APU, the most commonly used APU for single-aisle commercial transport, operating on more than 1,700 aircraft. An APU is a small turbine engine that provides bleed air for main engine starting and electrical power for cockpit and galley systems. Honeywell's 131-9A averages more than 10,000 hours between unscheduled repair events, a more than 60 percent improvement over other APUs in its class size.
"With a de-rate modification that reduces fuel consumption by 5 percent, further reducing emissions and total cost of ownership over the APU lifetime, the Honeywell APU can offer operational savings of more than $10,000 in fuel savings per aircraft, per year," said Mike Madsen, Honeywell Aerospace Vice President, Airlines. "It also provides a 10 percent power advantage over other APUs, which allows it to cool or heat the cabin two minutes faster."
Honeywell's APU on-aircraft maintenance costs are up to 36 percent less than other APUs because of the simple design.
Honeywell will provide its 131-9A APU to China Southern for 20 new Airbus A320s to be delivered over the next three years. The long-term supply agreement covers 36 existing A320s, 71 existing B737s, as well as 20 new A320s and 65 new B737s.
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.