Honeywell, Odys Aviation To Collaborate On Uncrewed Aircraft Operations In Oman And The Pacific

PHOENIX, July 24, 2024 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and Odys Aviation, a developer of advanced hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the design of new Ground Control Stations to support the rollout of Odys Aviation’s hybrid VTOL aircraft in the Middle East and Pacific.

Under the terms of the MOU, Honeywell will provide a Ground Control Station for uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations, supporting operations of Odys Aviation’s uncrewed air vehicle (UAV), Laila. Pilot programs using Laila and the new Ground Control Station are expected to kick off in 2025.

Laila is designed in multiple configurations to deliver cargo. With a 230-mile range it is an ideal aircraft to support pipeline inspections, leak detection, geological surveys, maritime operations and logistics services, including the delivery of time-critical goods.

Honeywell’s Ground Control Station, which can be scaled to meet the needs of any VTOL platform, enables remote pilots to manage multiple vehicles simultaneously, over long distances, and without direct visual contact. In addition, several advanced automation functionalities such as traffic awareness, contingency management, and ground-based detect-and-avoid help reduce pilot workload. These features, which have been successfully demonstrated in testing, increase the safety and efficiency of unmanned drone operations.

“As companies seek to expand their development and operation of uncrewed vehicles, safe operation from a remote environment is critical. Our planned collaboration with Odys Aviation will represent a significant milestone, moving our innovative solutions from testing to real-life scenarios,” said David Shilliday, vice president, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.  

“Honeywell shares our belief that the key to commercializing new aircraft technologies and moving from R&D to market lies in partnerships. Honeywell has shown extensive leadership in the sustainable aviation space, and we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand with their world-class team to deliver on the promise of advanced aerospace technologies as soon as next year,” said James Dorris, CEO and co-founder of Odys Aviation.

Under the terms of the MOU, both companies intend to work closely with MWASALAT, the Omani National Transportation Company, to roll out aerial logistics programs in Oman and the GCC.

“MWASALAT is excited to be pushing the boundaries of sustainable aviation and working with companies like Honeywell and Odys Aviation to bring the region closer to rolling out operations. Together with the proven experience of Honeywell and the technological innovation of Odys Aviation, Oman is laying meaningful groundwork to becoming a leader in this exciting new age of aviation, and as a leading company in providing transportation to Oman, we’re excited to be at the forefront of this revolution,” said Bader AlNadabi, CEO of MWASALAT.

The planned collaboration between the two companies helps advance the development of autonomous aviation and furthers the alignment of Honeywell’s portfolio with the automation and future of aviation megatrends. 

About Honeywell

Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com/us/en or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world’s toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter, safer and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

About Odys Aviation

Odys Aviation designs, develops and manufactures sustainable, technologically advanced VTOL aircraft that solve global challenges for commercial airlines and private operators. The company is pioneering the next generation of VTOL aircraft which use hybrid-electric propulsion systems to deliver the optimal balance between performance and sustainability. Odys Aviation was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Long Beach, CA with a Design Office in Munich, Germany. For more information, please visit www.odysaviation.com.