Honeywell: ‘Europe is delivering the future of aviation’
At this year’s ILA Berlin, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies showcased its latest groundbreaking innovations and sustainability advancements in aviation.
Jan Ludvik, director of engineering, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, spoke to FINN about…
June 11, 2024
At this year’s ILA Berlin, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies showcased its latest groundbreaking innovations and sustainability advancements in aviation.
Jan Ludvik, director of engineering, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, spoke to FINN about how the company is driving the innovation of advanced technologies from within Europe.
“Our European operations, particularly the research and development centre in Brno, Czech Republic, play a pivotal role in our efforts to transform global aviation for a safer and more sustainable future, so regional events like ILA are important calendar moments for us,” said Ludvik.
“Europe is a significant market for Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. Our regional headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland, supports diverse sectors including air transport and both regional and business aviation. We also have several manufacturing sites across Europe that play a vital role in developing and maintaining a wide range of aviation products.
“Our Brno centre is especially important to our European operations as it is a hub of technological innovation with around 1,000 engineers and scientists supporting research and development. The site is central to the progress of numerous Honeywell products and services, including flight control systems, integrated cockpit systems, guidance and navigation, electronic controllers and engineering test services.
“Additionally, our advanced technology group at the site focuses on air traffic management, satellite and inertial navigation, communication, mechanical and power systems and sensors, and other developing technologies.”
Creating a sustainable future
Looking to the future of aviation, Honeywell’s innovation efforts are centred on creating technologies that support a safer and more sustainable sector.
This includes investing in new aircraft technologies like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatible engines or auxiliary power units and exploring future alternative fuel sources.
“Honeywell sees hydrogen as part of the decarbonisation technology mix and is developing megawatt class fuel cell technology as part of the NEWBORN project,” said Ludvik.
“We are also committed to our research into hybrid electric aircraft and advanced aircraft automation under the European Union’s public and private partnership programs, like the Clean Aviation and SESAR3 joint undertaking programmes.
“These technologies were promoted during ILA Berlin, alongside solutions to deliver more efficient aircraft operations and improve air traffic management. This included the fault-tolerant Electromechanical Actuator (EMA), designed to enhance safety and reliability across various flight platforms while bringing new capabilities not possible with current hydraulic actuators.”
Advancing air mobility, connectivity, and collaboration
Honeywell is also at the forefront of UAM and AAM, with innovations in air taxis, drone deliveries, and electric and autonomous flight solutions.
“Together with our European stakeholders and customers, we’re helping to move more transportation from the road to the air, with electrically powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft for high-speed air mobility,” Ludvik added.
“The challenge of sustainability is not one that we can solve alone.
“Whether it is engaging in research projects across Europe to validate advanced technologies that support the industry’s sustainability goals or partnering on their development and implementation, we prioritise collaboration to drive innovation.
“Events like ILA Berlin offer us a brilliant opportunity to connect with customers and peers. I leave feeling really galvanised by what I’ve seen, and confident in the role that this region will have to play in delivering the future of aviation.”
