Honeywell will supply auxiliary power units (APU) and associated equipment for the C919 single-aisle commercial airliner to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) for $7.3bn.

The 131-9(C9C) APU is based on the firm’s 131-9 family of APUs used on single-aisle commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

Reliability and efficiency of the units lowers the operational costs of a C919 aircraft by over $20,000 annually, the firm claims.

The two-stage axial turbine design of the unit is expected to exceed C919 requirements as it features low levels of ramp noise.

Honeywell will also provide a starter / generator system and installation kit under the deal.

The APU, a small gas-powered turbine engine, supplies bleed air for starting main engine and environmental control system, and provides electrical power for cockpit and galley systems in the air and on the ground.