Business aircraft production rates will be back to 2019 levels by early next year, according to Collins Aerospace. Colin Mahoney, the aircraft systems group’s v-p customer and account management, told AIN this week that the recovery from the Covid pandemic has been shorter than the 2008 financial crisis, encouraging it to make further investments in its product range.
“The build rates will be close to back to normal by early 2022, and especially for the heavy jets,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of business aircraft use, and especially with the charter and fractional operators.”
On Tuesday, Collins announced a simplified graphical interface for its Venue cabin management system and also delivered an avionics suite based on its Pro Line Fusion system for NASA’s X-59 supersonic research aircraft. Another recent boost for the company has been confirmation of its role on Dassault’s new Falcon 10X, providing the ultra-long-range jet’s primary and auxiliary electric power units, ram-air turbines, air data systems with new smart probes, potable and waste water systems, and fire protection.
Meanwhile, Collins has certified its new LuxStream connectivity platform on 18 aircraft and expects to increase that number to 40 by year-end. It holds supplemental type certificates for the system covering the Bombardier Global family and Gulfstream G350, G450, G500, and G550.