UAE-based airline to extend its working relationship with Honeywell with its supply of auxiliary power units and simplified aircraft repairs DUBAI — Honeywell has been selected by Air Arabia to extend maintenance services and supply auxiliary power units (APUs) for the airline's fleet of Airbus A320ceo aircraft. The selection will see the two companies extend their decade-long working relationship, and includes an agreement for Honeywell to continue to supply repair services to the airline. Alongside the APU upgrade to its A320ceo fleet, Air Arabia also upgraded two of its A320s with Honeywell's 131-9A APU, ensuring greater reliability and commonality with the rest of its fleet. "Three out of four A320 aircraft are fitted with our APUs, which is testament to the performance and reliability our products provide," said David Shilliday, vice president - Airlines, EMEAI, Honeywell Aerospace. "The efficiencies that can be driven in fuel and maintenance speak for themselves, and our longstanding relationship with Air Arabia demonstrates our commitment to customer support and product knowledge." The Honeywell 131-9A APU supplies compressed air to start the main engine, as well as air conditioning and electrical power on the ground and in flight. It is known for its reliability and lower maintenance costs over the course of the entire life cycle, resulting in significant fuel savings. The APUs are also fitted with the Predictive Trend Monitoring and Diagnostics Program, which reduces unscheduled removals due to unforeseen faults. Honeywell was the first company to produce a gas turbine aviation APU in 1948 and continues its long history in APU production with the family of 131-series APUs, which have been in service for 100 million service hours. — SG
