UPDATE 1-Honeywell says prospects for business jets improving

* Business jet outlook more positive this year

* Hopes to confirm China C919 in 2010

* Prepared to make defence acquisitions (Adds detail)

By Matthias Blamont

PARIS, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Business-jet prospects outside the United States have improved in 2009 despite a tough year for the global economy, Honeywell International's (HON.N) European aerospace chief said on Thursday.

The technology company, which also operates in the automotive and construction sectors, hopes to find out in 2010 whether it has won supply contracts for China's upcoming jumbo jet, the C919, said the executive.

"We offered half a dozen integrated systems for the C919," said Paolo Carmassi, managing director of Honeywell Aerospace Europe, Middle East and Africa. "It is a multi-billion-dollar (sales) opportunity for Honeywell."

Honeywell rivals Thales (TCFP.PA) and Safran (SAF.PA) are also in the running to join the C919 programme, which is China's challenge to the single-aisle Airbus A320 (EAD.PA) and the Boeing 737 (BA.N).

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is expected to announce its supply partners at the end of this year but Carmassi said Honeywell was aiming for 2010.