BOMBARDIER DONATES WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED BUSINESS JET

By MARK TOJAGIC

Marking a decade of collaboration in support of aerospace education and skills training, Centennial College is renaming its new building at Toronto’s Downsview Park as The Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation to acknowledge the aircraft maker’s record of corporate philanthropy in support of Ontario’s first college.

After years of sending aviation technician graduates to Bombardier to begin their careers, the relationship was formalized when Bombardier designated Centennial College as its “trainer of choice,” helping to prepare its existing and future workforce with new skills required in the assembly and maintenance of its advanced aircraft. The renaming of Centennial’s building recognizes more than $32 million in gifts in kind.

In the latest demonstration of that generosity, the Quebec-based manufacturer has donated its Global 7500 flight test vehicle – the prototype of the world’s largest and longest-range business jet – to Centennial so that its aircraft maintenance students can gain hands-on experience working on the industry’s most advanced avionics and airframe features, including high-performance wings.

“Bombardier is proud to be fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals by enhancing their training experience at Centennial College with the world’s most innovative, cutting-edge business jet in the industry,” said Alain Bellemare, President and CEO of Bombardier. “With this aircraft, students will have the opportunity to operate the latest advanced technology in the industry, fueling their passion for the field and broadening their skills set for the future.”

The donated plane was the fourth Flight Test Vehicle (FTV4) of the Global 7500’s development program, used for interior validation testing. The high-tech aircraft will have a permanent spot on the protected apron outside of Centennial’s Downsview hangar, which opened in January 2019. Last year Bombardier donated a CRJ-200, the world’s bestselling regional airliner, to the college.

“As the global demand for aerospace technicians and technologists continues to grow, the strategic advantage of Bombardier and Centennial’s relationship is only amplified,” says Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College. “The commitment of both institutions not only aims to support the increasing labour demands of the sector, but bolsters Ontario’s and Canada’s leadership position in a competitive global sector.”

The true value of this donation to the college is priceless. Having access to one of the world’s most advanced jets will not only enhance students’ knowledge and skills, but the hands-on experience will greatly enhance the employability of Centennial graduates.

In addition, Bombardier is providing funding for the completion of Centennial’s electric landing gear research project, and extending its existing skills training program to train a minimum of 50 individuals for each of the next two years at Centennial’s facility, which serves as the anchor for Toronto’s new aerospace hub, the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) Hub.

The one-of-a-kind donation – Centennial is the only school in the world to have a Global 7500 business jet in its fleet – reinforces Bombardier’s commitment to build on recent research and development investments and work with Ontario colleges and universities to deliver R&D, education and training of the highest calibre.

Beyond Centennial, Bombardier has established many successful partnerships with educational institutions specializing in aerospace and engineering by offering internships, scholarships and corporate donations, as well as participating in research and development projects.

With more than 68,000 employees, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, building innovative and game-changing aircraft and trains. Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries, as well as a broad portfolio of products and services for the business aviation, commercial aviation and rail transportation markets.

• For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca/transportation.