United Tech affirms '09 forecast, sees 2010 growth

* CEO sticks to '09 EPS of $4-$4.20/shr
* Chinese elevator, U.S. home air conditioner markers up
* Not counting on big improvement in revenue
BOSTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) chief executive confirmed the diversified U.S. manufacturer's 2009 profit forecast on Tuesday and said he is "highly confident" the company will grow earnings in 2010.
"The external environment remains fairly challenging," with demand for aerospace and construction-related products soft, but some bright spots are starting to break through, CEO Louis Chenevert told an investor conference in New York, which was monitored via the Internet.
The world's largest maker of elevators and air conditioners has seen a rise in Chinese orders for elevators and a slight improvement in the U.S. residential air conditioning business, he said.
Chenevert said the Hartford, Connecticut-based company still looks for 2009 earnings of $4 to $4.20 per share, in line with its July forecast.
He said he expects cost cutting, rather than improving demand, to drive improved 2010 results.
"We're not counting on seeing big turnarounds in revenue," Chenevert said. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)