C Series Aircraft Lands at École nationale d’aérotechnique to Start New Training Mission

• 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

MONTREAL, Oct. 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 38^th 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.

About the École Nationale d’Aérotechnique
The École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA) is an affiliated school of cégep Édouard-Montpetit, the largest college in Québec. ÉNA can accommodate approximately 1,300 students a year for regular full- time programs and several hundred technicians in continuing education. Its 4 programs (3 in French and 1 in English) in aeronautical technology are recognized by Transport Canada. ÉNA is a leader in terms of technical training in aerospace technology in North America and has five hangars and a fleet of 38 aircraft, 27 airplanes and 11 helicopters, and is equipped with modern installations that include over 30 laboratories and specialized workshops.

About Bombardier
With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety.

Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Bombardier, Challenger, CRJ100, Learjet and Learjet 60 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4902f48f-d688-42a8-86a6-8c0c923945e2