Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3) has selected Honeywell (NYSE: HON) to provide its Primus Epic 2 integrated avionics system for the second generation of E-Jets, which are planned to enter service in 2018. The decision is another important milestone in the program that is expected to be launched later this year. Last month, Embraer selected Pratt & Whitney as the engine supplier.

“Honeywell has been a valued partner of Embraer for many years, so it is with great confidence that we extend our relationship for this important program,” said Paulo Cesar Siva, President & CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We believe that the evolution of the Honeywell Primus Epic, including large landscape displays, will provide flexibility for continuous innovation in the flight deck, while offering a mature system and a smooth transition for pilots between the current and future generation of E-Jets.”

The Honeywell Primus Epic 2 integrated avionics system on the second generation of E-Jets will be an evolution of the existing Primus Epic system on the current generation, which will assure a high degree of pilot commonality. The five 8×10 inch displays will be replaced by four 13×10 inch large landscape displays with advanced graphics capabilities. Honeywell’s Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS), already in development with current generation E-Jets, will provide enhanced flight planning, navigation and aircraft performance capabilities.

“Honeywell’s Primus Epic 2 is an incredibly innovative, highly integrated and proven technology that makes flying safer and more efficient. Our avionics systems are found inside the world’s most successful aircraft, including Embraer’s existing 170/190 E-Jet family of aircraft,” said John Bolton, President of Air Transport & Regional Honeywell Aerospace. “We look forward to continuing our partnership, and pursuing additional E-Jet opportunities that our unique breadth of products and services affords us.”

Honeywell’s Primus Epic system has accumulated more than nine million flight hours to date, on the E-Jets alone. Because these avionics are software based, Embraer will be able to easily and effectively integrate future communication, navigation and air traffic management functionalities.

As in the current family of aircraft, the second generation of E-Jets will be optionally equipped with dual Head-up Displays (HUD). The supplier selection for this system will occur later this year.

The second generation of E-Jets will be a significant step in Embraer´s commitment to continuously invest in this line of commercial jets. State-of-the-art engines in combination with new aerodynamically advanced wings, full fly-by-wire flight controls and other systems evolutions, will result in double digit improvements in fuel burn, maintenance costs, emissions and external noise. The Company’s objective is to offer the best product and maintain its leadership in the 70 to 120 seat market, where more than 900 E-Jets are currently in service. A total of 62 customers from 42 countries are flying or will soon take delivery of Embraer E-Jets.