NORTH-WEST aerospace companies hope to share in a £50 million new business boost at the Farnborough International Air Show this week.

More than 50 manufacturers and suppliers have united under the North West Aerospace Alliance banner for the region's strongest-ever presence at the event.

The NWAA stand is 50 per cent bigger than the one at Farnborough '98 where member companies had a business spin-off estimated at £20 million.

Projects Manager Rachel Smith said: "We have twice as many companies exhibiting at the Millennium show and the indications for new business look very encouraging.

"It's the Alliance's biggest ever event by far and our members are providing state-of-the-art exhibits, which will help to boost visitor interest.

"We have been working with companies for many months to make sure they get best value from the event and win new orders."

The stand will feature lean manufacturing techniques, virtual reality displays, high precision engineering products and aerospace industry services which have become the cornerstone of the sector in the North-west.

The NWAA will also promote the overall capabilities offered by more than 200 member companies and organisations. It aims to convince international visitors that the region is "a world force in aerospace."