Rio, 10 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The state of Rio de Janeiro is going to become the biggest center for aviation engineering and maintenance in the Southern Hemisphere. After talks between the president of Varig (Brazil's biggest carrier), Ozires Silva, and governor Benedita da Silva, it has been announced that Varig subsidiary, Varig Engenharia, will set up shop at the Tom Jobim International Airport in Rio, providing aviation engineering and maintenance services for the region.

According to the president of the subsidiary, Evandro Braga, the firm will spend R$ 85 million (US$ 29.7 million) over a four-year period on facilities and equipment. In the Southern Hemisphere, Varig Engenharia competes only with firms in Chile, South Africa and Australia. (AB)