THE aerospace industry must seek out joint ventures with companies across the world, Mr Sean Donnelly, an outgoing executive director at Forbairt said yesterday. Speaking at the a.g.m. of the Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in Ireland, Mr Donnelly called on Irish companies to actively seek out global partnerships.

China, he pointed out, had a fleet of 400 aircraft, rising by around 40 a year. "Can they maintain and service that fleet?" he asked. "The suggestion is they will need help."

He also said that although global ventures would dilute the Irish equity base, Forbairt would support "valid and viable" joint ventures.