Honeywell Aerospace has confirmed that they will be consolidating their overhaul and repair sites in an effort to cut costs. The sites currently in Renton, Washington and Wichita, Kansas will be consolidated into the company’s Olathe, Kansas facility. “Honeywell is centralizing its repair and overhaul (R&O) operations to better serve our customers,” the company said in a statement.
Honeywell is hoping to complete the consolidation process by the end of the year. The change will affect approximately 175 employees. “This is not a decision we made lightly as we realize this, unfortunately, affects valued employees,” the statement said. “We’ve provided employees with extensive notice and are also posting roles in Olathe, many of which include potential relocation assistance. We’re encouraging employees to apply for those roles or other Honeywell positions, and will offer severance and outplacement assistance to those eligible.”
Earlier this week Honeywell Aerospace also announced a partnership with Lufthansa Technik to develop a certified ADS-B out solution for Lufthansa’s A320 fleet. “The solution, using Honeywell’s latest TRA100B transponder, will enable A320 operators to comply with the latest European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) DO-260B mandate.” Honeywell said in a statement.
As of June 7th, 2020 EU regulations require any aircraft in European airspace to be equipped with ADS-B out.
Wally Malicki, Director of Product Marketing for Honeywell said ““The deadline to upgrade to ADS-B Out is fast approaching and is an important source of business for Honeywell, using this certification, Lufthansa Technik will be able to provide the necessary upgrades to A320 aircraft in the EMEAI region equipped with Honeywell’s TRA67A transponders.
Honeywell Aerospace was founded in 1936 and currently has 40,000 employees. The company started with first adding temperature controls to vehicles like planes and cars in the late 30s and started producing other aircraft parts in the early 1940s. The company started developing avionics in the late 1950s and has since gone on to be one of the most prolific avionics companies in the world today. Their equipment ranges from Flight Management Systems (FMS) to Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). Honeywell has also been involved in most major space missions including the development of flight controls for NASA’s space shuttle program. In the early 90s Honeywell teamed up with General Electric to develop the CFE738 turbofan engine which is commonly found on the Dassault Falcon 2000 corporate jet.