AVIATION: Torrance-linked firm will build power units for new line of A350 wide-body planes.
By Donna Borak
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Honeywell International Inc., which has operations in Torrance, said Wednesday it will provide the major mechanical systems for Airbus' new long-range, wide-body A350 aircraft.
The contract is expected to generate more than $16 billion in revenue over 20 to 25 years. Honeywell said the contract is the largest systems and equipment package Airbus has awarded to date on this program.
As part of the deal, Honeywell will design and build an auxiliary power unit and other equipment that supply pneumatic and electric power for the aircraft while on the ground or in-flight.
The company also will build systems to manage all of the air used on the aircraft for environmental control, including cabin heating, cooling and pressurization.
Airbus has yet to announce deals for its avionics and cockpit controls for the redesigned A350, which has traditionally been a strong area for Honeywell, JPMorgan securities analyst C. Stephen Tusa said in a note to clients.
Honeywell spokesman Bill Reavis said it is too early to say whether the work will mean more jobs in the South Bay. Honeywell Aerospace employs 1,112 workers in Torrance, where it makes products that control the environment on planes and cool aircraft machinery.
Both Goodrich Corp. and a division of United Technologies Corp., Hamilton Sundstrand, say they will be competing for future work on the aircraft.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Goodrich is providing Airbus with a structure to cover the engine and a system to decelerate the aircraft during landing for all three of the A350's passenger planes.
The deal is expected to generate $10 billion over the next 20 years, the company said.
The A350XWB family is Airbus' plan for a series of efficient, medium-capacity, long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 9,569 miles, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers.
Total firm orders and commitments for the A350XWB stand at 254 aircraft, including 154 firm orders and 100 commitments.
The Airbus aircraft is scheduled to hit the market about five years after rival Boeing Co.'s new midsize, long-haul 787 jetliner.
To date, Boeing has received 706 orders for the 787. The plane is sold out through late 2013.
Business writer Muhammed El-Hasan contributed to this article.
