CORUS OPENS CHINA AEROSPACE METALS CENTRE

Steel group Corus has opened a service centre in China. Aerospace Service Centre Suzhou, near Shanghai, is modelled on Corus's aerospace supply operation in the UK, ASC Bolton, which it describes as a key route to the European aerospace market. ASC Suzhou will stock, break bulk and process specialist aerospace steels produced by Corus at Stocksbridge, UK, as well as other materials sourced from third parties.

BOEING TAPS INDIAN TALENT

Boeing is to set up a research and technology centre in Bangalore with a view to tapping into India's aerospace talent pool. Initially, the centre will support 30 engineers and researchers focusing on aerostructures, aerodynamics, new materials and electronics, and co-ordinate work by more than 1,500 technologists across India. Chief technology officer John Tracy says: "Boeing is partnering with the best researchers around the world."

ISRAEL AEROSPACE MOVES INTO BRAZIL

Israel Aerospace Industries has bought 50.1 % of the shares of Brazil's Synergy Group, forming a new joint venture to develop, integrate and support a wide range of defence and aerospace products, including unmanned airvehicles, missile systems, radars and electronic warfare and intelligence systems, and to provide commercial aviation services.

AVINCO OPENS MONACO OFFICE

Dublin-based aircraft trading and management company Avinco has opened a second office in Monaco to extend its activity in the helicopter market. Chief executive Francois Gautier says helicopters accounted for half of Avinco's business, but "the main focal point for commercial aircraft activity will remain in Dublin".

PROFITS UP AT HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS

Pre-tax profits at state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics were up 4.4% to Rp22.6 billion($449 million) in the year ended 31 March on turnover up nearly one-fifth to Rp102.6 billion. A "significant breakthrough" for the company, which is India's sole aircraft manufacturer, was an order from Ecuador for seven of its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters. HAL's orderbook stands at Rp600 billion.Meanwhile, HAL has appointed Ashok Nayak as chairman to replace the retiring Ashok Baweja.

ACORN BUYS CALIFORNIA COMPOSITES MAKER

Oklahoma City-based private equity group Acorn Growth Companies has acquired California composite aircraft components and structures maker Integrated Composites. Company founder Joe Johnson will continue to serve as president. Integrated will become an operating company of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

HYDERABAD AIRPORT AIMS TO BE AEROSPACE HUB

Indian conglomerate GMR Group, which built and is the major owner of Hyderabad's new airport, is talking to unnamed European and US aerospace companies about establishing aerospace manufacturing factories inthe airport's special economic zones. Vice-presidentof planning and strategic initiatives D Ravindran says: "Our aim is to make Hyderabad a one-stop hub for the aviation industry." GMR is establishing an MRO at the airport in a joint-venture partnership with Malaysia Airlines and CFM International is setting up a maintenance training centre near the airport.

Source: Flight International