United Airlines has announced a renewed partnership with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies to enhance the cockpit features of its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. The collaboration, revealed on Monday at the Farnborough International Airshow, aims to introduce advanced avionics designed to improve safety and reduce pilot workload. This latest initiative builds on a relationship established five years ago, when United first chose Honeywell to equip over 160 MAX aircraft with similar cutting-edge technology. The new avionics package will incorporate state-of-the-art safety systems, reinforcing United’s commitment to operational excellence and passenger security.
Advanced Avionics for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency In their latest agreement, United Airlines and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies will introduce several groundbreaking avionics technologies to the Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Among these innovations is the 3D weather radar, a first for the aviation industry, providing pilots with unprecedented weather visualization. Additionally, new flight deck recorders capable of storing 25 hours of data will be installed, significantly enhancing data retention and analysis. The agreement also includes advanced traffic avoidance systems, further improving flight safety and efficiency. These state-of-the-art features demonstrate a commitment to pioneering advancements in aviation technology.
United Airlines Expands 737 MAX Fleet with 340 New Orders United Airlines continues to expand its fleet with a substantial order for Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The Chicago-based carrier currently operates both the MAX 8 and MAX 9 variants. According to ch-aviation, United’s fleet includes 93 MAX 8s, with an additional 33 on order, and 80 MAX 9s, with another 140 on order. Furthermore, United has placed an order for 167 of the stretched MAX 10 variant. In 2018, United selected Honeywell’s suite of avionics to equip 161 of its MAX aircraft, establishing a strong partnership with the technology provider. This new agreement not only builds on the existing relationship between United and Honeywell but also underscores Honeywell’s reputation for delivering cutting-edge aerospace technology. The new avionics systems will be installed on the MAX aircraft set to enter United’s service over the next decade, ensuring the airline remains at the forefront of aviation technology and passenger experience.
Inside Honeywell’s Advanced Aviation Technology Honeywell has introduced groundbreaking technologies that are revolutionizing aviation safety and efficiency. The IntuVue RDR-4000 3D Weather Radar System stands out as the first automatic commercial aviation radar to accurately depict weather conditions along an aircraft’s flight path. This system automatically scans the sky with an industry-leading 17 tilt angles, providing a 3D view of the weather through an intuitive and user-friendly display for pilots. Another significant advancement is the Honeywell Connected Recorder – 25, designed specifically for commercial aircraft to meet flight data and cockpit voice recording requirements. This device enhances maintenance predictability and operational insight through advanced data analytics. In February, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended a new policy requiring all existing aircraft to be retrofitted with cockpit voice recorders capable of recording 25 hours, urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce this mandate. Honeywell’s TPA100B Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and TRA 100B Transponders play a crucial role in identifying surrounding aircraft, utilizing an airborne collision avoidance system (ACAS). This technology is particularly valuable given the recent increase in close-call incidents, with over 1,000 reported in the past year across the country. The ALA-52B radar altimeter is another essential tool for pilots, especially during instrument landings at various US airports. This technology not only determines the correct altitude for the aircraft but also filters out interference from 5G broadband. This year alone, Southwest Airlines has experienced three incidents where aircraft came dangerously close to terrain or the ocean, involving a 737-800 and two MAX 8 flights. These innovations by Honeywell highlight the company’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency, ensuring that pilots have the best tools available to navigate the skies safely.
