Sichuan Airlines has selected the Honeywell 131-9A Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for its Airbus A320 fleet. Under the five-year agreement, Sichuan Airlines has equipped 93 new A320 aircraft with optional 131-9A APUs, which will be put into operation by the end of 2025. In addition, this model APU will be used to replace Sichuan Airlines' existing 141 A320 aircraft, which sets a record for the largest number of APUs in Honeywell's history. The Model 131-9A APU can help airlines reduce flight delays and cancellations, providing a better flight experience for passengers.
"We are very pleased to partner with Honeywell and look forward to helping us improve our operational efficiency with their proven APU products. Li Yue, Vice President of Sichuan Airlines, said, "The epidemic has had a great impact on the aviation industry, so there is a greater need for reliable and innovative products and solutions to help the industry recover, and we look forward to working together with our partners for a better future for the industry." ”
APUs are extremely critical equipment on aircraft, providing power and driving air conditioning when the aircraft is on the ground. The APU guarantees a comfortable cabin environment and provides air supply when the pilot starts the main engine. The Honeywell Model 131-9A APU is known in the industry for its reliable performance and lower maintenance costs over its lifetime, resulting in significant fuel savings each year.
"It is an honor to have reached a cooperation with Sichuan Airlines. This is another milestone in our continued deepening of our partnerships with Chinese airline customers. Steven Lien, President of Honeywell Aerospace Group Asia Pacific, said, "We feel the strong recovery and great potential of China's aviation industry, as well as the growing competitiveness of Chinese airlines in the global market. Honeywell is committed to meeting this market demand, providing customers with the products and solutions they expect, and helping them create value and improve efficiency through their local support team. ”
Honeywell's first APU was first commissioned in 1950. To date, Honeywell has produced more than 100,000 APUs. Currently, more than 36,000 APUs in service are installed on more than 150 fixed-wing and rotary-wing models in the fields of feeder, official and commercial fields.
In 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 (Airbus A320) made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York, but fortunately all 155 passengers and crew on board survived. In this process, the Honeywell 131-9A APU installed on the aircraft played a key role. Since the introduction of the Model 131-9A APU in 1995, Honeywell has delivered more than 15,000 units of this model。