AEROSPACE firms look set to beat all records with potential new business from the Paris Air Show expected to top £50 million.

The Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance predicted that the buoyant outlook for the industry would continue with new orders set to boost order books and safeguard jobs within the industry.

NWAA chairman Dennis Mendoros said the Alliance's Paris stand had proved a major success for the dozen companies taking part and had played a key role in promoting the interests of member companies throughout the region.

He said: "It has been our best overseas event by far. We expect the spin off in new business will benefit North West companies well into the new millennium."

Highlights for East Lancashire companies included a major tie-up with American space agency NASA for PDS Ltd of Nelson, who will help to bring the agency's expertise and high technology to the door of aerospace companies throughout Europe. And Burnley-based Hurel-Dubois UK will manufacture thrust reversers for engines on a new Allied Signal engine for the all-new Bombardier BD100 business jet.

The company will also benefit from orders for new regional passenger aircraft from Embraer.

Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd of Kelbrook has won Ministry of Defence contracts to develop specialised computer systems which will help the MoD with future maintenance and development of the Rolls Royce Pegasus engine which powers the Harrier.

And British Aerospace has also reported significant contracts.

John Whalley, chief executive of the NWWA, said: "The real work begins on our return to the UK. The contacts made at this show can reap great rewards for companies, but only through continued hard work in the months following the event."

The NWWA is now well under way with its preparations for Farnborough 2000, which promises to be the largest showing of North West aerospace companies at any air show to date.

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