Aerial Firefighting
Wildfires are becoming a serious global issue, increasing in their frequency and impact on our lives, with seasonal patterns that affect different world regions throughout the year. Babcock delivers a fully integrated and professional aerial firefighting management service, underpinned by our own proprietary technology investments and internally delivered mission specialist pilot training. We operate both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft throughout Europe making Babcock arguably the world’s largest aerial firefighting business.
Providing Manitoba with Aerial Firefighting Services
In November of 2018, Babcock was awarded a contract for aerial firefighting services by the Government of Manitoba. The Wildfire Suppression Services Contract was issued by the Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development and is for a period of ten years.
The Contract includes the management, maintenance, and operation of Manitoba’s fleet of seven Canadair water-bomber amphibious aircraft (four CL-415s and three 215s), supported by three Babcock-owned Twin Commander “bird-dog” aircraft. Manitoba will retain ownership of the water-bomber aircraft, parts, inventory, special tools and equipment but will transfer care and custody to Babcock as lessee.
We are proud to be working in partnership with Air Spray, an experienced, safe and effective provider of air tanker aircraft throughout Western Canada for over 60 years, and in the US through its subsidiary Air Spray USA since 2011.