July 23, 2015 -  Montreal - The Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) organized its third Innovation Conference, on July 23 in Montréal, bringing together over 60 people from the Canadian and Eurasian business community, government, and academia.  The conference, with a special focus on industrial biotechnology aimed to identify joint business opportunities and collaboration in the innovation and R&D process. 'The conference proved very useful and introduced us to important actors in the Canadian biotech and innovation sector', expressed Alexey Ablaev, CEO of the Russian Biofuel Association.

The CEO of BioteCanada, Andrew Casey, presented the main strengths and challenges of the Canadian biotech industry, outlining common avenues of collaboration and common threats, such as the difficulty of attracting investments for technology development: 'Investors are like tourists, they will always go where they feel most comfortable and welcome, and competition is sharp', underlined Mr. Casey. 

Barbara Béliveau, Director of International Partnerships at the Québec Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Exports, outlined the provincial government model to support innovation through various programs and tax incentives, making Quebec one of the most attractive places in the world to for R&D intensive companies. 

The CEO of the Montreal based company Bioastra, Sumitra Rajagopalan, explained the high potential of open innovation concept and collaborative technology development, specifically with Russia, since she has already worked with their scientists, recognizing the high level of research in that country. 

'CERBA is planning to hold the Canada-Eurasia Innovation Conference again next year for a fourth edition, as we have evidence here that there is real interest and potential in further developing business and scientific relations between Canada, Russia and Kazakhstan. CERBA is strongly committed to bridging our two regions and creating opportunities in the high tech sector', expressed Sébastien Dakin, Director of the Montréal and Ottawa Chapters of CERBA.  

See detailed program and information about the event at: http://www.cerbainnovation.com

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft welcomed Qazaq Air to the family of Q400 aircraft operators and joined the airline in introducing the technologically advanced turboprop to local government and aviation industry representatives, regulators, other invited guests and media during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan. Qazaq Air, a subsidiary of Samruk Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, has announced that it will launch domestic service in Kazakhstan with three Q400 aircraft leased from Falcon Aviation Services LLC of Abu Dhabi.

“We selected the Q400 aircraft because it has the speed and range required to service the long sectors in the Kazakh market, and has proven its reliability in regions with hot and very cold temperatures,” said Blair Pollock, Project Director, Samruk Kazyna. “In addition, the aircraft’s cabin will provide a quiet, comfortable experience for our passengers, and our airline will undoubtedly benefit from the aircraft’s excellent operating costs.

“We thank Falcon Aviation for providing us with their aircraft and for all their support in the months running up to this launch.  We look forward to improving the air transport offering to the Kazakh people.  Many of the 12 routes on which the Q400 aircraft will operate are not currently served by any other carrier.  Qazaq Air -- using the Q400 aircraft -- will be connecting people and helping them benefit from the growth of the Kazakh economy,” added Mr. Pollock.

“We are delighted that the Q400 aircraft has been selected for the development of the regional air transportation network in Kazakhstan and we wish Qazaq Air much success,” said Colin Bole, Senior Vice President, Sales and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 aircraft’s certification for operations down to -54o C, and notably its successful operation in Canada where approximately 90 are in service, are testament to its capability to meet Qazaq Air’s growth and development plans.”

About Q Series Aircraft

Designed as a modern, 21st-century turboprop, the Q400 aircraft is the most recent development in the Q Series family of aircraft. It provides unmatched performance, operational flexibility and passenger comfort. While it’s nimble enough for a steep approach, the Q400 aircraft is also tough enough to land on unpaved run­ways. It’s a certified performer at high altitude airports too, like that of La Paz, Bolivia, one of the world’s highest.

Thanks to its combination of turboprop attributes, jet-like features, industry-leading passenger experience and environmental footprint, the Q400 aircraft is exceptionally versatile and can be adapted to a variety of business models. By offering a 30% reduction in fuel burn over the jets it often replaces, the Q400 aircraft radically reduces carbon emissions and increases cost efficiency. Its high-speed cruise -- 160 km/h faster than conventional turboprops -- places the aircraft’s flight time within minutes of jet schedules, at the same seat cost as larger single-aisle jets. Its large propellers operate at a lower RPM, generating more power with less noise and making it a friendly option for city centres.

The Q400 aircraft family includes over 60 owners and operators in almost 40 countries worldwide and the worldwide fleet has logged more than 6 million flight hours. The aircraft has transported more than 370 million passengers worldwide. Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 546 Q400 aircraft.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indices. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we posted revenues of $20.1 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

For Information

Marianella de la Barrera

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft

+1-416-375-3030    

marianella.delabarrera@aero.bombardier.com

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Source: www.bombardier.com