Srilankan Airlines uses Honeywell auxiliary power unit and maintenance services on A320 aircraft

Posted by John McHale
PHOENIX, 16 Feb. 2011. Seeking to improve reliability and reduce operating costs through a fleet modernization program, SriLankan Airlines selected Honeywell (NYSE:HON) to provide maintenance services on its Airbus A320s equipped with Honeywell's131-9A auxiliary power unit (APU). The airline currently operates four A320s. An APU is a small turbine engine used for main engine starting, as well as providing electrical power to airframe and cockpit systems.
SriLankan Airlines also confirmed selection of Honeywell's 131-9A on four new Airbus 320s and will be installing a new Honeywell APU on one in-service Airbus A320. Aircraft are scheduled for delivery this year. Honeywell's APU is expected to increase the airline's dispatch rate while reducing overall operating and maintenance costs.
Other Honeywell equipment available on Airbus aircraft includes the fuel controls, electric power systems, communication/navigation radios, traffic/ground/weather surveillance systems, flight management system, inertial navigation, environmental controls, wheels, brakes, and exterior LED lighting.
"This A320 APU maintenance contract further expands our existing relationship with Honeywell to provide APUs and maintenance services for its entire fleet including our A330 and A340 aircraft. Honeywell's ongoing product support, dedicated team of field service engineers, customer support personnel and global service center rental bank network complement SriLankan Airline's mission to provide a reliable and a pleasant travel experience to passengers," says Mr. Priyantha Rose, head of engineering, SriLankan Airlines.
"Since entering service, the Honeywell 131-9A APU has exceeded a 99 percent on-time dispatch rate, allowing SriLankan Airlines to reliably service their global routes while lowering overall maintenance and operation costs," says Greg Albert, vice president of Airlines, Honeywell Aerospace. "To date, more than 70 airlines have opted for this dependable workhorse on the A320."
SriLankan Airlines serves a global route network of 51 destinations in 31 countries in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, North America, and Australia.