Boeing to open aerospace research and technology center in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Boeing announced today that it will establish Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil, a research and technology center in Sao Paulo that will work with the country’s leading researchers and scientists to develop aerospace technologies.

Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil, which will open later this year, will serve as a hub for collaboration between Boeing and Brazilian R&D organizations, including government agencies, private-sector companies and universities.

“Boeing is defined by its technological edge, and establishing Boeing Research & Technology in Brazil will bring new ideas and innovative processes to our company,” said Donna Hrinak, president of Boeing Brazil. “We also will strengthen our relationship with Brazil’s R&D community in ways that grow Brazil’s capabilities and meet the country’s goals for economic and technology development.”

Areas of research focus for the new center will include sustainable aviation biofuels, advanced air traffic management, advanced metals and bio-materials, and support and services technologies.

“As part of Boeing’s strategic, long-term commitment to Brazil, we will establish collaborative R&D projects and perform research at BR&T-Brazil that will benefit Brazil, while supporting Boeing’s investment to keep our competitive edge,” said Al Bryant, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil. “This is a win-win opportunity for Brazil and Boeing.”

Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil will be Boeing’s sixth advanced research center outside the United States; the others are in Europe, Australia, India, China and Russia.

Boeing’s history in the country dates back to 1932, when Boeing delivered 14 F4B-4 fighters to the Brazilian government. Boeing made its first commercial delivery to Brazil in 1960 and continues to deliver cutting-edge, high-technology products to Brazilian airlines TAM and GOL.

In July 2011, Boeing and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced plans to jointly fund an analysis of opportunities to produce sustainable aviation jet biofuel. In October 2011, Boeing, Embraer and FAPESP (Sao Paulo State Research Foundation) signed a letter of intent to expand the analysis and develop a detailed report outlining the unique opportunities and challenges of creating a cost-effective, bio-derived, and sustainable jet-fuel production and distribution industry in Brazil.

Brazil has Latin America’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market. Boeing has forecasted that Brazil will need to purchase more than 1,000 airplanes worth more than $100 billion in the next 20 years. GOL Airlines operates one of the largest 737 fleets in the world, and TAM Airlines will become the first Brazilian 777 operator.