Boeing will open a new research and development center in Brazil, home of Latin America’s fastest-growing economy, the company announced Tuesday.
The company said the new research center in Sao Paulo will allow Boeing and Brazilian engineers and scientists to develop new aerospace technologies. The opening of a South American research facility follows a pattern for Boeing, which has opened similar research centers in Europe, Australia, China, Russia and India. The research center opening follows an announcement last summer that Boeing will collaborate with Brazilian scientists on developing biofuels for aircraft use. Brazil is a leader in biofuel production with thousands of acres of sugar cane production devoted to fuel use.
Boeing’s research effort also may help the company win a big fighter contract with Brazil. A key to winning that contract is sharing technology with Brazil’s aerospace industry. The Chicago-based Boeing is offering to sell Brazil its F/A-18 E/F fighter. France is offering the Rafale fighter, while Sweden is lobbying for Brazil to chose the Saab Gripen.
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