Engineering firm Senior has reported sustained demand for its aerospace and defence businesses, helping to power a surge in its first-half profits. The FTSE 250 firm reported a 38 per cent increase in adjusted pre-tax profits to £34.8million for the six months to 30 June. Senior supplies the defence, aerospace and energy sectors with high-tech components and systems, specialising in ducts and valves to control fuel consumption. Its aerospace division, which counts Boeing and Airbus as customers, reported 'positive momentum' with sales increasing by 13 per cent year-on-year. 'The Aerospace Division continued its positive momentum with order intake, sales, profitability and operating margins all showing excellent growth during the half-year.'