Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Microturbo (a Safran Group Company, NYSE: SAFRAN), have signed an agreement to form a partnership for the development of new-generation electrical and bleed APUs and APU installation systems, targeting the business jet market.

First application for the new partnership will be the Bombardier Global 7000 & Global 8000 aircraft for which Hamilton Sundstrand was recently selected as the APU supplier. Hamilton Sundstrand has launched the design and development of a new APU system for this Bombardier program. Under the partnership agreement announced today, Microturbo will design, certify and supply major modules and components for the APU and the installation system in support of Hamilton Sundstrand's design and development of the overall APU system.

"Our new partnership with Microturbo demonstrates Hamilton Sundstrand's long-term commitment to the APU engine business. This partnership will provide the business and corporate aircraft marketplace with a complimentary combination of skill sets that directly addresses the need for increased performance and reliability, with lower operating cost." said Danny Di Perna, vice president & general manager of Hamilton Sundstrand's APU Business Unit.

"Microturbo is pleased to join with Hamilton Sundstrand in developing new-generation electrical and bleed APU solutions which respond to the needs of customers. The significant experience and advanced technologies of each partner will combine to advance the APU state-of-the-art to serve the corporate and business aircraft market." said Mr. Pierre-Yves Morvan, CEO of Microturbo. "This partnership will enable us to offer customers a complete and competitive set of products such as the e-APU and services which meets every requirement of present and future prospects." Mr. Morvan added.