Technology & Innovation
ASU and Honeywell Collaborate on Next-Gen Aircraft Tech
ASU and Honeywell partner to advance electrification, battery safety, and avionics for sustainable aviation, fostering industry-academia collaboration.
Advancing Aerospace: ASU and Honeywell’s Vision for the Future of Flight
Aircraft technology is entering a transformative era, driven by the urgent need for sustainability, efficiency, and safety. At the forefront of this change are Arizona State University (ASU) and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, whose collaboration is shaping the next generation of aviation. Their joint efforts aim to electrify aircraft systems, improve fuel efficiency, and develop safer, more reliable propulsion technologies.
The recent “More Electric, More Efficient” Aircraft Industry Day, held at ASU’s Tempe campus, showcased the depth and breadth of this partnership. The event brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government, including representatives from NASA, to explore innovations in electric propulsion, battery chemistry, and avionics. These discussions highlighted the critical role of collaboration in solving the complex challenges facing modern aviation.
With the aviation industry under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and align with global sustainability goals, the ASU-Honeywell alliance presents a compelling model for how academic research and industrial expertise can converge to drive impactful change.
Technological Innovations Powering Next-Gen Aircraft
Electrification and Hybrid Propulsion
One of the central themes of the ASU-Honeywell partnership is the electrification of aircraft systems. Electrification offers the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency. Honeywell is developing groundbreaking technologies such as high-temperature electrical insulators designed for electric propulsion systems, which are crucial for maintaining performance under extreme conditions.
Additionally, electromagnetic braking systems are being tested to replace traditional friction-based systems. These systems not only reduce maintenance costs but also contribute to overall aircraft weight reduction, which can improve fuel efficiency.
ASU researchers are contributing significantly to this effort. Professor Candace Chan’s work on solid-state batteries represents a leap forward in battery safety and energy density. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state variants use non-flammable materials, mitigating the risks of thermal runaway and in-flight incidents.
“There’s this interesting graphic on the FAA website where they keep track of new battery incidents on planes. They’re increasing, and they’re going to keep increasing, Prof. Candace Chan, ASU
Advanced Avionics and Sensing Technologies
Beyond propulsion, avionics and sensing technologies are also undergoing rapid innovation. Assistant Professor Suren Jayasuriya presented his research on non-line-of-sight imaging, a technology that enables aircraft to detect obstacles even when they’re not directly visible. This capability is especially valuable for urban air mobility (UAM) applications and emergency response operations.
These imaging systems use light and sensors to reconstruct environments around corners or through obstructions, creating safer navigation systems for both piloted and autonomous aircraft. Honeywell’s integration of such technologies into their avionics systems aligns with their broader strategy of enhancing situational awareness and system reliability.
Meanwhile, ASU’s research into composite materials is supporting NASA’s efforts to reduce aircraft weight. By incorporating carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), structural weight can be reduced, increasing range and reducing fuel consumption.
Battery Chemistry and Safety Innovations
Battery safety remains a critical challenge in the electrification of aircraft. Lithium-ion batteries, while widely used, pose fire risks due to their liquid electrolytes. Professor Chan’s team is exploring solid-state batteries, which not only offer higher energy densities but also eliminate flammable components.
These batteries are being developed in collaboration with NASA’s SABERS project, which aims to commercialize the technology by 2035. The goal is to reduce battery production costs, making them viable for widespread aviation use.
Such advancements are essential for meeting the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) net-zero emissions target by 2050, as battery-powered aircraft become a larger part of the aviation ecosystem.
Building a Sustainable and Skilled Aerospace Ecosystem
Industry-Academia Collaboration
The partnership between ASU and Honeywell extends beyond research—it’s also about building a sustainable workforce. The Honeywell Innovation Hub on ASU’s Tempe campus serves as a bridge between students and industry, offering hands-on experience with engineering tools, mentorship from Honeywell professionals, and exposure to real-world challenges.
Students benefit from weekly tech talks, annual hackathons, and internship opportunities that prepare them for careers in aerospace. Over 100 students annually engage in Honeywell-led projects, gaining insights into areas like avionics, propulsion, and systems engineering.
Grace Llamas, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, shared how the event shifted her academic perspective: “I still have a lot to learn about the electrification of all different kinds of aspects of aircraft. What I heard the speakers talk about is going to give me more motivation to hold on to those concepts.”
Global Impacts and Market Trends
The innovations discussed at the Aircraft Industry Day align with broader market trends. The global electric aircraft market is projected to experience significant growth. This growth is driven by the rise of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and increasing investment in sustainable aviation technologies.
Honeywell’s avionics systems, tested under Phoenix’s extreme climate conditions, are vital to this growth. These systems enable autonomous operations and support the integration of UAM into congested urban airspaces. Regulatory frameworks, like the FAA’s NextGen program, are also evolving to accommodate these technological advancements.
However, infrastructure remains a challenge. The development of vertiports—landing and takeoff zones for eVTOLs—requires substantial global investment by 2040. Addressing these needs will be essential for realizing the full potential of electric flight.
Future Events and Continued Collaboration
Looking ahead, Honeywell and ASU plan to host more events to foster innovation and collaboration. These gatherings serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and the incubation of new ideas that can shape the future of aerospace.
Ryan Barlow, a master’s student in aerospace engineering, emphasized the value of these opportunities: “I met numerous professionals in my desired field of work. It’s exceptionally beneficial using the event as a low-pressure networking opportunity.”
Such testimonials underscore the importance of sustained engagement between academia and industry, not only for technological progress but also for cultivating the next generation of aerospace leaders.
Conclusion
The collaboration between ASU and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is more than a partnership—it’s a blueprint for how innovation, education, and industry can converge to address the pressing challenges of modern aviation. Through advancements in electrification, battery safety, and avionics, they are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in air travel.
As global aviation moves toward net-zero emissions and smarter, safer operations, initiatives like these will play a pivotal role. By fostering cross-sector collaboration and investing in student development, ASU and Honeywell are not only innovating for today but also building the foundation for tomorrow’s aerospace breakthroughs.
FAQ
What is the goal of the ASU-Honeywell collaboration?
To develop next-generation aircraft technologies focused on electrification, sustainability, and safety through joint research, student engagement, and industry partnerships.
What are solid-state batteries and how do they differ from lithium-ion batteries?
Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of flammable liquids, offering higher energy density and improved safety, making them ideal for aviation applications.
How does ASU support student involvement in aerospace innovation?
Through the Honeywell Innovation Hub, internships, tech talks, and collaborative projects, ASU provides students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities in the aerospace field.
What are the future plans for this collaboration?
ASU and Honeywell plan to host more industry events and expand research initiatives, aiming to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation technologies and workforce readiness.
Sources: ASU News
Photo Credit: ASU
Sustainable Aviation
KBR PureSAF Technology Selected for Kazakhstan First SAF Plant
KBR licenses PureSAF technology for Kazakhstan’s first SAF facility, using an alcohol-to-jet process with domestic feedstocks.
Global engineering firm KBR announced on August 24, 2026, that it secured a contracts to license its proprietary PureSAF technology and provide engineering design for Kazakhstan’s inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. The project, developed in partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero) and KazFoodProducts (KFP), will utilize domestic agricultural feedstocks to produce low-carbon aviation fuel via an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process.
In a press release detailing the contract award, KBR confirmed the agreement supports Kazakhstan’s strategic objective to establish itself as an international aviation hub while advancing aviation decarbonization. The planned facility will leverage technology developed in collaboration with Swedish Biofuels AB to convert ethanol into drop-in aviation fuel.
Technology and Project Scope
The facility will utilize KBR’s PureSAF technology, an alcohol-to-jet pathway designed to process agricultural feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. The foundational trilateral agreement covering the Process Design Package (PDP) and technology licensing was signed by KBR, KMG-Aero, and KFP in Astana on July 23, 2026. KBR, which employs approximately 37,000 people and operates in 28 countries, will provide the engineering framework required to scale the AtJ process for commercial output.
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions President Jay Ibrahim stated the company is honored to support the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project,” Ibrahim said.
Kazakhstan’s Aviation Decarbonization Strategy
The KBR contract follows a series of government initiatives aimed at building a domestic SAF supply chain. On August 4, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Peter Lee of Hong Kong-based Full Vision Capital signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a green aviation fuel ecosystem in the city of Alatau. This proposed ecosystem would cover the full production cycle, from cultivating agricultural feedstock to manufacturing the finished product.
These infrastructure investments align with recommendations from global aviation regulators and industry groups. In April 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized that continued investment in SAF, alongside new airport infrastructure, is critical for Kazakhstan to capitalize on global passenger and cargo traffic and strengthen its domestic aviation sector.
AirPro News analysis
The KBR contract award represents a concrete technical step in Kazakhstan’s ambition to localize SAF production, but several commercial variables remain undefined. The August 24 announcement did not disclose the financial value of the engineering contract, the projected production capacity of the facility, or a target completion date. We note that while the alcohol-to-jet pathway is a proven method for SAF production, scaling agricultural feedstock supply-chain domestically will be critical to the plant’s long-term viability. The parallel involvement of Full Vision Capital suggests the government is actively working to finance and structure this agricultural supply chain in the Alatau region to ensure the KBR-designed facility has the necessary inputs to operate at scale.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Boeing and GM Complete Sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM
Boeing and GM finalized the sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM on August 25, 2026, supporting Boeing’s refocus on core aerospace operations.
The Boeing Company and General Motors Company have finalized the sale of their jointly owned research facility, HRL Laboratories, to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a divestment that allows the aerospace and automotive manufacturers to redirect resources toward their primary industrial operations.
The transaction transfers ownership of the Malibu, California-based research center, which Boeing and GM previously held in a 50/50 joint venture. The companies initially announced the acquisition agreement on July 23, 2026. Boeing and GM confirmed the completion of the sale in a press release on August 25, 2026, followed by IBM’s official confirmation on August 26. Financial terms of the Acquisitions were not disclosed.
Strategic realignment for Boeing and GM
For Boeing, the sale of HRL Laboratories aligns with a broader corporate Strategy to streamline operations and concentrate capital on its core commercial airplanes, defense, and space divisions. HRL Laboratories was founded in 1948 and has historically provided advanced physical science and engineering research for its parent companies.
In a joint statement, Boeing and GM indicated that they will maintain a working relationship with the laboratory under its new ownership to support their respective technological needs.
“Since its founding in 1948, HRL Laboratories has been a leader in pioneering work in physical science and engineering, and we look forward to IBM building on this legacy. While Boeing and GM will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development, our companies will focus our resources on our respective core businesses and delivering the programs and services necessary to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
IBM accelerates quantum hardware roadmap
The acquisition provides IBM with HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits, quantum sensing, and advanced materials. IBM plans to integrate these technologies into its dual-track hardware strategy, combining its existing superconducting circuits with HRL’s silicon quantum dot research.
This integration supports the development of the IBM Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant quantum computer projected to perform 100 million quantum operations by 2029.
Jay Gambetta, Director of Research and IBM Fellow, noted in a company statement that the HRL team brings a broad portfolio of technologies that will strengthen IBM’s long-term plans to deliver useful quantum computing. Gambetta stated the acquisition brings together advances across quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
Rob Vasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HRL Laboratories, described the acquisition as the natural next chapter for the facility, noting the team’s dedication to exploring how future quantum computers could be built at unprecedented scales.
AirPro News analysis
We view Boeing’s divestment of HRL Laboratories as a pragmatic step in its ongoing effort to stabilize and refocus its core aerospace Manufacturing businesses. While quantum computing and advanced materials research hold long-term promise for aerospace applications, maintaining a 50 percent stake in a dedicated research laboratory requires capital and management bandwidth that Boeing currently needs for its Commercial-Aircraft production and certification programs. By transitioning from an owner to a partner, Boeing retains access to HRL’s quantum advancements without the financial overhead of managing the joint venture.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: HRL Laboratories
Technology & Innovation
Archer Aviation and AEG to Build eVTOL Vertiport at LA LIVE
Archer Aviation and AEG announce a multi-year partnership to develop an eVTOL vertiport at LA LIVE ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Archer Aviation Inc. and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) have established a multi-year partnerships to construct a dedicated vertiport for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the L.A. LIVE district in downtown Los Angeles.
Announced in an August 24, 2026 press release, the agreement establishes Archer as the exclusive air taxi partner for the 4 million-square-foot sports and entertainment complex. The project serves as a central node for Archer’s planned Southern California network, targeting operational readiness ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Infrastructure and Network Expansion
The two companies have completed an initial feasibility study for the L.A. LIVE site. This assessment evaluated land-use requirements, airspace integration, power availability, and community impact. The project has now advanced to a secondary phase focused on operational procedures and passenger experience.
To support flight operations, the facility will incorporate electric aviation chargers manufactured by BETA Technologies. This hardware integration aligns with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry’s ACES consortium, which aims to standardize charging infrastructure across different eVTOL platforms.
The downtown location will connect to a broader regional network. According to reporting by Aviation International News, Archer’s Los Angeles architecture includes a central operational hub at the newly acquired Hawthorne Municipal Airport (KHHR). Additional planned nodes include Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), John Wayne Airport (KSNA), SoFi Stadium, and the University of Southern California. Pollstar News reports that passenger travel times across this network are estimated between 10 and 20 minutes.
Aligning with the LA28 Games
The vertiport development is closely tied to the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Downtown Los Angeles Zone is scheduled to host 18 Olympic and Paralympic sports, positioning L.A. LIVE adjacent to Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center as a high-traffic transit corridor. Archer previously secured the designation of Official Air Taxi Provider for the LA28 Games and Team USA.
Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted the strategic timing of the infrastructure build.
“Working with AEG on an iconic project like this vertiport at L.A. LIVE gives us the opportunity to continue building the infrastructure needed for Southern California to lead in the next era of all-electric flight. We see this as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to add a flagship downtown location to our planned Los Angeles air taxi network ahead of the LA28 Games.”
AEG Global Partnerships President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Baker stated the collaboration blends infrastructure and technology to serve event attendees and the broader community.
Unconfirmed Site Details
While the partnership is confirmed, specific logistical details remain undisclosed. Aviation International News noted that the exact footprint of the vertiport within the L.A. LIVE campus has not been specified. Potential locations could include existing parking structures, including one with a 100,000-square-foot rooftop deck, though neither Archer nor AEG has verified a specific location. Funding structures, ownership models, and specific operational responsibilities for the vertiport also remain unannounced.
AirPro News analysis
Securing viable takeoff and landing real estate in dense urban centers remains one of the highest barriers to entry for the AAM sector. By partnering directly with AEG, Archer bypasses several municipal land-acquisition hurdles, leveraging existing private commercial space in a highly regulated downtown corridor. The decision to install BETA Technologies chargers is equally significant. We view this hardware choice as a pragmatic step toward interoperability, ensuring the site can potentially service mixed fleets in the future rather than operating as a closed ecosystem. The success of this node will likely depend on local airspace deconfliction over downtown Los Angeles and the finalization of high-capacity grid connections required for rapid turnaround times.
Sources: Archer Aviation
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
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