Honeywell has brought its industry-leading test aircraft to Dubai for a three-day stop as part of final testing for the revolutionary new GX Aviation, the high-speed inflight Wi-Fi network arriving to airlines and business jets later this year.

Honeywell has a long history of milestones on its Boeing 757 test bed aircraft. The jet has been used for research and development since 2008, and arriving in Dubai this week it had completed more than 400 flight tests in over 15 countries, spending in excess of 1,700 hours in the air.  

As a country that places the aviation industry at the heart of its long-term economic growth, the UAE is an essential destination for Honeywell to showcase – and implement – its pioneering industry vision and leading-edge technology solutions, the company said.

The aircraft is currently taking part in a global test of Inmarsat’s GX Aviation network and Honeywell’s portfolio of JetWave satellite communications equipment, which together provide a high-speed, inflight wireless broadband service delivering “home equivalent” Wi-Fi in the air.

“With more than 100 years’ experience in aviation and airports, Honeywell is a trusted name in the industry, and the company's 757 test aircraft’s visit to Dubai this week reinforces our commitment to our customers and the regional aerospace industry,” said Norm Gilsdorf, president of Honeywell's Middle East, Russia and Central Asia regions.

“Since 2008, Honeywell’s flying test aircraft has helped shape modern aviation through the most advanced and capable safety, efficiency and performance technologies. We are especially pleased therefore to bring the 757 to the UAE – a country that embraces innovation like no other in line with its national Vision 2021.”

The unique test capabilities of the 757 include Honeywell’s industry-leading communications hardware; in addition to the company’s most advanced avionics including the pioneering Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, which has reduced Controlled Flight into Terrain accidents from about one in every 3 million flights to less than one in every 20 million flights.

Other demo features of the 757 test bed aircraft include Honeywell’s Traffic Collision Avoidance System that gives pilots previously unavailable air traffic information to help manage airspace and air traffic, and SmartRunway / SmartLanding systems designed to assist pilots in reducing the likelihood of runway incidents.

The aircraft also features a distinct third engine pylon, which can be used to test and help certify some of Honeywell’s most notable engines, including the HTF7000 and TFE731 series.

“Safety is a priority for Honeywell. It’s the legacy of the company and the reason our team has come to the Middle East region,” said Scott Nyberg, chief test pilot, Honeywell Aerospace.

“Honeywell’s flight team puts every piece of technology through rigorous tests that reflect every possible real-world scenario that could happen, so that when a product does make it onto an airplane it’s the safest and most efficient product on the market. At a time when innovation is at the forefront of the nation’s mind, it is an honor to land the Honeywell 757 on Dubai’s soil to showcase Honeywell’s aviation technology vision for the flight of the future.” - TradeArabia News Service