UPDATE 1-United Tech CFO says order rates have stabilized

* Conditions have not worsened over past six weeks

* Demand still soft in construction, aviation markets

* CFO says dividend "sacrosanct"

* Shares up 2.6 pct

BOSTON, May 14 (Reuters) - United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) has seen its order rates stabilize over the past six weeks, but at a low rate, the diversified U.S. manufacturer's chief financial officer told investors on Thursday.

"Order rates for the most part have stabilized across the business but we're not immune to the global financial meltdown, end markets are still very difficult," CFO Greg Hayes said at an investor conference that was monitored over the Internet.

He noted that orders from the construction and aviation markets remained slow, while demand for helicopters was more robust.

The world's largest maker of elevators and air conditioners also sees signs that demand is recovering in China, helped by that country's stimulus plan, he said.

Hartford, Connecticut-based United Technologies will continue to focus on ways to cut costs, but regards its dividend as "sacrosanct," Hayes said.

Its shares were up $1.31 at $51.92 on the New York Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Brian Moss)