Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) today announced that Bombardier has donated a CRJ100 aircraft to be used in BCIT’s Aerospace programs. It is Bombardier’s first donation of a commercial aircraft to an educational institution and symbolizes the company’s commitment to the training of a skilled workforce and further strengthening of the aerospace industry in Canada.

The aircraft (Serial Number 7032) donated to BCIT, was originally delivered by Bombardier for airline operations in 1994, and spent many years in service across Europe before it was retired and transferred to the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus. Launched in 1989, CRJ100 aircraft were the first models in Bombardier’s CRJ Series family of regional jets. Since their introduction into service, CRJ Series aircraft have become the world’s most successful regional jet program – revolutionizing regional air transportation along the way.

During a recognition event held today at the BCIT Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, BC, Jim Sorokan, Manager, Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft encouraged the participating students to ardently pursue their dreams of joining the aerospace industry while developing their skills at BCIT training on the CRJ100 aircraft. In response, the students exhibited their commitment as they enthusiastically conducted demonstrations on the CRJ100 aircraft for the assembled audience that included faculty members and representatives of the BCIT Foundation.

“Industry partners like Bombardier are at the heart of the BCIT applied learning model,” said Paul McCullough, BCIT Vice President Advancement. “With their generous donation of the CRJ100 aircraft, Bombardier is equipping the next generation of aerospace professionals with an indispensable tool that will give BCIT students yet another competitive advantage upon graduation.”

“Bombardier considers the donation of this CRJ100 aircraft to the British Columbia Institute of Technology to be an investment in the ongoing development of highly skilled, aerospace workers,” said David Speirs, Vice President, Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “We are delighted that students enrolled in aerospace programs at the Institute are using the aircraft to back-up their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. For example, students are able to experience how aircraft systems and units function, such as avionics functionality, engine start and idle runs, and auxiliary power unit functionality.”

Bombardier press release