Airbus has selected Honeywell’s 131-9A auxiliary power unit (APU) for its A320 family of aircraft.

The selection has led to the compulsory use of the Honeywell APU across the A320 family aircraft, operated by various airlines worldwide.

Offering significant fuel savings to the A320 aircraft model, the 131-9 family of APU is a small gas turbine engine that provides electrical power to ignite an aircraft’s main engines.

The APU is also designed to help run air-conditioning and other systems while the plane is on the ground, as well as offer primary or backup electrical power for environmental, cockpit and hydraulic systems during flight.

Honeywell’s 131-9A unit features an electronic control box that integrates advanced troubleshooting logic and health-monitoring capabilities for intuitive maintenance.

"Honeywell and Airbus are offering A320 series customers an APU with best-in-class operational efficiency, enabling more efficient, safe and comfortable travel experience for airline passengers.”

Honeywell Aerospace engines and power systems president Brian Sill said: “Reducing operating costs while offering customers the best air travel experience possible continues to be key for airlines.

“Together, Honeywell and Airbus are offering A320 series customers an APU with best-in-class operational efficiency, enabling more efficient, safe and comfortable travel experience for airline passengers.”

The company has so far produced more than 11,000 units of the 131-9 family of APUs.

Currently used by different airlines on their narrow-body aircraft fleet, the 131-9 series has already completed more than 100 million total flight hours.

In a separate development, Honeywell Aerospace has created a new imitative, premier channel partner programme, to help the maintenance, repair and overhaul providers to better support the company’s business aviation customers worldwide.

Image: Honeywell’s 131-9A auxiliary power unit. Photo: courtesy of Honeywell International.