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"This donation will serve to benefit both students and industry," said Irene Lewis, SAIT's President and CEO. "With thanks to Imperial Oil, the Bombardier Challenger will enable our students to train on an aircraft with modern avionics and be even better prepared when entering the workforce."

The jet, which is no longer required to meet Imperial's corporate travel needs, has been de-registered and is now ineligible to fly in Canada. It will provide on the ground training for more than 250 students annually in SAIT's Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology, Avionics Technology and Aircraft Structures Technician programs. In addition to the aircraft, Imperial also donated associated ground support equipment and spare parts inventory.

"We are pleased to provide SAIT students with tools to enhance their learning experience about aviation mechanics, maintenance and instrumentation," said Bruce March, Imperial's Chairman, President and CEO. "This contribution reflects our commitment to support education in technology, including supporting reliable air service to northern communities across Canada."

To view photos of the Challenger and from today's news conference, visit our photo library. To learn more about Imperial's citizenship activities, download the 2008 Corporate Citizenship Report or view the Summary Report.

SAIT Polytechnic has maintained close association with business and industry to ensure graduate success since 1916. SAIT offers 67 certificate, diploma, and applied degree programs as well as 30 apprenticeship programs, 300 distance education courses and 1,800 continuing education and customized corporate training courses. SAIT offers training in 15 countries around the world and last year had 79,000 course and program registrations. SAIT is a proud member of Polytechnics Canada.

Imperial Oil is one of Canada's largest corporations and a leading member of the country's petroleum industry. The company is a major producer of crude oil and natural gas, and one of the largest petroleum refiners and marketers with a coast-to-coast supply network that includes about 1,900 retail service stations.

Backgrounder

Canadian Bombardier Challenger 601-3A Aircraft

- Engineered and assembled in Canada in1988 by Canadair (acquired by Bombardier).

- Aircraft size - length: 18 metres; wing span: 20 metres; tail width: 6 metres.

- Accumulated 5,500 flying hours.

- This donation from Imperial Oil includes all aircraft parts, components, instruments and tools.

- The Challenger aircraft will be used for training in the following SAIT programs: - Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology - Avionics Technology - Aircraft Structures Technician

- The Challenger aircraft has complex, advanced systems manufactured and is used in today's aircraft industry. For example, the aircraft's fuel, hydraulic, pressurization, pneumatic systems and turbo fan engines are more current than anything presently used for teaching purposes at SAIT. This aircraft also employs a pneumatic, cascade thrust reverse system that is not included on any of SAIT's other aircrafts.

- The engine systems in the aircraft are unique and it will provide students with the opportunity to see the differences between aircraft and avionics manufacturers.

- The state of the aircraft avionics and electrical systems provide a modern "real world" experience in the line maintenance and function testing of a "glass cockpit" system. The Challenger will now provide SAIT students with exposure to modern collision avoidance, air traffic control transponder, and navigation management technology that is available on the aircraft.

- This aircraft will enhance learning by allowing potential for:

- Engine run-ups

- Systems training

- Routine servicing

- Routine inspections

- Engine servicing