Honeywell and NXP Expand Partnership to Accelerate Next-generation Aviation Technology

Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. This builds on the companies' existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption, announced at CES 2024.

The groundbreaking aviation collaboration will combine Honeywell's deep aerospace expertise, the proven capabilities of Honeywell Anthem avionics and NXP's high-performance computing architecture, enabling AI-driven aerospace technology that helps improve operational efficiency for planning and managing flights. The work will also support faster transitions to new chipsets and technologies.

The companies will team to advance large-area displays for next-generation cockpits with thinner, high-resolution screens designed to improve visual clarity and system efficiency. Additionally, they will explore how to simplify and streamline migrations to newer avionic technologies, as well as extend critical aviation technologies' lifecycles, helping to deliver long-term value for aircraft manufacturers and operators.

NXP's domain-based architecture paves the path to autonomy, featuring high-compute capabilities, integrated cybersecurity and functional safety, including technology developed for the automotive industry. It will now be adapted for aviation applications on Honeywell Anthem, the industry's first cloud-connected cockpit system. This is a continuation of co-creation between the two companies, which includes NXP applications processers embedded in Honeywell's Building Management, Fire Safety and Security products. Looking ahead, the companies are expanding this work to include AI and machine learning in building controllers.

For the aerospace industry, Honeywell will leverage a variety of NXP processors, including the i.MX 8 applications processors currently leveraged in Honeywell's Advanced Control for Buildings platform and S32N super-integration processors, providing a range of high-performance, intelligent solutions that can be adapted for the needs of various aircraft. With NXP's processors, Honeywell Anthem will deliver faster data processing for real-time AI-driven insights, enhancing safety and optimizing performance both in the air and on the ground.

One of the early adopters that will benefit from this collaboration is Vertical Aerospace, a leader in eVTOL aircraft that is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype aircraft featuring Honeywell Anthem.