Boeing announced this spring that it will locate its Brazilian research and technology center at the hub of Brazil’s aerospace industry – in the city of São José dos Campos’ Technological Park. The new Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center will open later this year in remodeled existing space at the technological park with staffing of up to 12 Boeing researchers and scientists. They will investigate and develop aerospace technology projects with nearby Brazilian government technology institutions including the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) and National Institute for Space Research (INPE), as well as Brazilian companies such as Embraer.
The Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center also will serve as Boeing’s focal point for technology collaboration with universities throughout Brazil. The company previously announced joint research activities with the University of São Paulo and the Federal University of Minas Gerais.
“The São José dos Campos Technological Park’s innovative environment, close proximity to partner research institutions and municipal support make it the ideal place for Boeing’s research and technology work in Brazil,” said Al Bryant, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil.
“We are excited to take this next step in strengthening our relationships with Brazil’s research and development community to develop technology for the world,” added Donna Hrinak, president of Boeing Brazil. “Together, we can grow Brazil’s capabilities in ways that benefit aerospace and help meet the country’s goals for economic and technology development.”
“As a city that seeks to be at the forefront of innovation for Brazil, it is crucial that we establish partnerships with enterprises such as Boeing that develop technology for global use,” said Carlinhos Almeida, mayor of São José dos Campos. “We are very pleased to host Boeing’s research and technology efforts here in São José dos Campos.”
Horacio Forjaz, general director of the São José dos Campos Technological Park, said the park’s staff will be dedicated to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and services that enable efficient collaboration with Brazilian research institutions.
As Boeing’s sixth advanced research center outside of the United States, the Boeing Research & Technology-Brazil Center will focus on sustainable aviation biofuels, advanced air traffic management, remote sensing, advanced metals and bio-materials, and support and services technologies.
In addition to the new Brazil research center, Boeing has offices in São Paulo and Brasilia. Boeing Research & Technology collaborates with customers, suppliers, universities and research-and-development agencies throughout the world to provide a broad base of innovative and affordable technologies for Boeing’s business units.
Local Inventory Benefits Operators
In April, Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced in-country warehousing of spare parts in support of Brazil’s S-76® and S-92® commercial helicopter operators. Powerpack – Sikorsky’s long-standing Brazilian representative – will manage inventory operations through the country’s special customs system known as Deposito Especial (D.E.). This is the first Sikorsky Forward Stocking Location (FSL) in Brazil. The warehouse is centrally located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where more than 80 percent of Sikorsky helicopters operating in Brazil are concentrated. SAS is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
“By maintaining local inventory, we are able to deliver parts in hours rather than days. This expediency not only improves aircraft readiness, but it also helps keep costs competitive and reduces the operators’ overall expenses,” said Steve Bohlman, SAS Director, Global Service & Support. “SAS continues to expand its support presence in Brazil based on fleet requirements for improved operational readiness. In fact, we are currently securing approvals to stock BLACK HAWK and SEAHAWK® helicopter components for Brazil’s military aircraft.”
By utilizing the Deposito Especial regime, Sikorsky can maintain spare parts inventory directly in Brazil. This capability appreciably reduces the time required for in-depth customs inspections and clearance issues faced on standard shipments from the US. Staffed by OEM-trained personnel, Powerpack will provide storage and logistics services at the warehouse. Inventory stock will include spare parts as well as ground support and test equipment.
