• The CS100 aircraft donated by Bombardier was welcomed by hundreds of students at the École nationale d’aérotechnique
• This aircraft will enhance aerospace technical training by giving Québec students access to the latest technology in commercial aviation

Today, a C Series aircraft landed for the first time at the St-Hubert airport, where it was officially handed over by Bombardier to the École nationale d’aérotechnique (ÉNA). Hundreds of students welcomed the newest addition to the ÉNA’s fleet at an event attended by professors, staff members and representatives from both Bombardier and Airbus.

The CS100 aircraft, which was donated by Bombardier in May 2018, will create new training opportunities across the fields of avionics, maintenance and aerospace engineering, giving Québec students access to the most advanced technology in commercial aviation. Over the next few months, the ÉNA’s professors will study the unique features of the C Series to determine the best way to intregrate this aircraft into their courses.

“Building strong partnerships with local teaching institutions is key to develop the next generation of aerospace professionals,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “The C Series integrates ground-breaking technologies and Canadian know-how into the world’s most innovative commercial aircraft. By donating a C Series to ÉNA, we hope to inspire a growing number of Québec students to consider exciting careers in the aerospace industry.”

The CS100 becomes the 38th aircraft to join the ÉNA’s static fleet, which already includes two Learjet and two Challenger aircraft from Bombardier. As the third Flight Test Vehicle (FTV3) of the C Series program, it accumulated approximately 1,400 flight hours. It was mainly used for avionics and electrical tests as well as for community noise testing.

“To be the first, and possibly only school in the world, to receive such an immense gift from our partner, Bombardier, positions our school as the best in the world,” said Sylvain Lambert, Director of the ÉNA. “The public will be able to visit and experience our C Series aircraft and our school at our Open House on November 11.”

Bombardier is a leader in terms of aerospace research and training in Canada. Last year, the company donated a CRJ100 aircraft to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and a Learjet 60 business jet to ÉNA. In June, it announced multi-million dollar contributions to the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Consortium (DAIR) to establish an aerospace hub in Toronto. In addition, Bombardier provides hundreds of internships annually to students across engineering, finance, IT, marketing, production, supply chain management and other disciplines.

Release and photo Bombardier