Irvine-based Thales Avionics Inc., a unit of Paris-based Thales Group, moved up three spots to No. 27, growing employment 33% to 300 employees, or by 75 people.

The maker of in-flight entertainment systems and aviation electronics is benefiting from an upswing in commercial aerospace, according to Lori Krans, a Thales spokeswoman.

``Airlines are buying new planes that need new entertainment systems, so business is picking up,`` Krans said. ``Aerospace industries in general are recovering.``

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