Bombardier Aerospace Joins in National Celebration of Canada's Centennial of Flight
February 23, 2009 — Montréal
Aerospace
Today, Bombardier Aerospace is proud to announce its collaboration with the first official event commemorating a century of flight in Canada – the opening of the new exhibition Canadian Wings: A Remarkable Century of Flight at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
When the Silver Dart aircraft lifted off the frozen lake at Baddeck Bay, N.S. on February 23, 1909, it flew into Canadian history. While the aircraft only flew a half mile at an elevation from three to nine meters at roughly 65 km/hr, it was the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to fly in Canada.
The pioneers who created this aircraft believed in their ability to build and fly this amazing machine, but few could have envisaged just how magnificent and world changing their invention would become. Today, the descendants of this aircraft continue to forge links between nations and cultures.
Few countries in the world owe more to flight than Canada. The airplane was crucial to northern development and remains a lifeline to many remote communities. Through the combined heritage of such acquisitions as Canadair, Short Brothers, de Havilland and Learjet, Bombardier Aerospace has over 250 years of combined experience. Today, as a world leader in the design and manufacture of aircraft, Bombardier remains at the forefront of aviation development. A testament to its industry-leading position can be seen around the world every day as a Bombardier aircraft takes off or lands every three seconds.
Bombardier Aerospace celebrates 100 years of flight in Canada
During the Centennial of Flight, Canada will celebrate the important role aviation has played in our national heritage but also recognize its many accomplishments at home and abroad. In 2009, there will be many activities taking place across the country to celebrate this historic year. Bombardier Aerospace is proud to support several of these events and organizations:
Back to Baddeck Trans-Canada Flight – Trans-Canada flight of vintage aircraft from Vancouver Island, B.C. to Baddeck, N.S. Organized by Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association (CAPA).
The Silver Dart Centennial Project – A small group of volunteers from the Welland, ON area have built a flying replica of the Silver Dart. They intend to recreate the original flight at Baddeck, N.S. on February 23, 2009. Former Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason piloted a successful test flight of the completed replica on February 6, 2009 at the Hamilton International Airport.
Canadian Air & Space Museum (formerly, Toronto Aerospace Museum) – Bombardier is supporting the museum’s year-long exhibition on Canada’s centennial of flight.
Western Canada Aviation Museum – Public, two-day Avro Lancaster aircraft event in Winnipeg, MB.
Governor General’s Cup Centennial of Flight Air Rally - This international air rally by young and experienced pilots will cross all Canadian Provinces and Territories.
Canada Aviation Museum – Official opening reception of Canadian Wings: A Remarkable Century of Flight and launch of Centennial of Flight celebrations.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2008, were $17.5 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Canadair, Short Brothers, de Havilland and Learjet are registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
