Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., is participating as a founding member of the recently launched Aviation X Lab – a unique, long-term collaboration with Airbus, Emirates Airlines, GE Aviation and Thales focused on delivering the next era of air travel.

"At Collins Aerospace, our vision is to collaborate with our customers, partners and innovators to redefine aerospace and deliver what we imagine today as great advancements in air travel for the future," said Henry Brooks, president, Customer & Account Management for Collins Aerospace. "We look forward to bringing our technology and resources to the table as we launch our first challenge round and solicit and validate new concepts that will eventually serve as game-changers in our increasingly connected world."

With a comprehensive portfolio of offerings that enable a more intelligent, more connected and more electric aerospace and defense industry – along with a proven history of numerous industry firsts and a global team of more than 16,000 engineers – Collins Aerospace is uniquely positioned to advance solutions generated by the X Lab.

Aviation X Lab will identify, support, fund and make the next set of big ideas in the transportation space accessible globally, with a bold vision to positively impact the lives of one billion people. Challenge applications can be submitted by individuals, teams, corporations, academic institutions, start-ups, innovators and activists. The deadline is Jan. 21, 2020.