Brazil and Belgium forge aerospace manufacturing partnership at Paris Air Show

Brazil and Belgium are coming together to strengthen their transatlantic value chains in aerospace manufacturing at the Paris Air Show 2023.

As the global aerospace industry recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a sense of optimism for the future.

However, supply chains in the aerospace sector are facing challenges, and suppliers are grappling with uncertainties that hinder finding immediate solutions.

These issues are widespread throughout the industry, making it crucial to transition to a high-demand scenario.

Willy Borsus, Belgium’s Minister of Trade and Economic Affairs, highlighted that “SIAE Le Bourget is the natural meeting point for a global industry interested in connections, building relationships, and exploring future business opportunities.”

He further expressed the desire to expand Belgium’s presence in Latin America’s largest market, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their global standing in the Brazilian market.

Borsus stated that Brazil offers an ideal environment for Belgian companies to engage with potential international customers.

Belgium is a preferred location for leading aeronautical, aerospace, and defense companies.

Wallonia, in particular, serves as a hub for the aerospace industry, accommodating various subsectors ranging from headquarters to manufacturers and suppliers.

Wallonia houses numerous engineering and IT companies that contribute to aerospace programs and foster technological advancements.

Wallonia hosts major public and private R&D centers, including renowned entities such as Aerospacelab, Bridgestone, Dynali Helicopter Company, FN Herstal, Sabca, Safran Aeroboosters, Sabena Aerospace, Solvay, Sonaca, Spacebel, Thales Alenia, and the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, among others.

The Belgium Aerospace Pavilion at the Paris Air Show will host around 75 companies.

Daniela Villas Boas, coordinator of the Brazilian Aerospace Cluster at the São José dos Campos Science Park, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Le Bourget is a highly significant event for the aerospace industry, serving as a global leader in innovation, networking, and knowledge exchange.”

Boas emphasized the opportunity for Brazilian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies to showcase their personnel, products, and services alongside Belgium, positioning themselves as world-class entities.

São José dos Campos, home to over 300 aerospace companies and the headquarters of Embraer, will play a significant role in this partnership.

Sonaca Brasil, a subsidiary of the Belgian aerostructures company Sonaca, which employs 600 people, is also located in São José dos Campos.