SEPT OCT 2025 CANADA’S NATIONAL FIXED AND ROTARY WING MAGAZINE
Wingsmagazine.com Helicoptersmagazine.com
Current AERIAL climate FIREFIGHTING
DIRECTORY 2027
The state of the business aircraft market
The ultimate resource of operators, services and technologies helping to lead wildfire suppression
The Aerial Firefighting Directory features key suppliers of aircraft, equipment and services, as well as a range of rotary- and fixed-wing operators involved in wildfire suppression in Canada and around the world
MET airport
Building in St. Hubert
Coast to coast
Canada’s Top FBO survey
Conair Group holds the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet to support agencies for wildfire response. The B.C. based company also converts and exports a range of aircraft, including its newest airtanker, the Dash 8-400AT, which started operations in 2020 with more than 28 now operating around the world. WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Fall 2026 27 M2 Gen3 | WINGS Textron Aviation’s Cessna Citation
FIRESWIFT Advanced Aerial Firefighting
FIRESWIFT integrates advanced, precision drop capabilities with sophisticated surveillance and communication technologies. Detect | Target | Attack
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AIRCRAFT, ENGINES & PLATFORMS
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS CANADA Fort Erie, ON, airbuscanada.ca
For more than 40 years, Airbus Helicopters has maintained a strong and growing presence in Canada and is a leader in the country’s civil and parapublic helicopter market. Based in Fort Erie, Ontario, and supported by the Niagara Distribution Centre in Niagara Falls, Airbus Helicopters in Canada employs more than 330 people across Canada and supports a national fleet of more than 850 helicopters flown by 230 operators. Since 1984, the Fort Erie facility has developed significant domestic capabilities in aircraft completion and customisation, engineering, repair and overhaul, composite manufacturing and in-service support, supporting operators conducting some of the most demanding missions across the country. Aerial firefighting is among the critical public service missions supported by Airbus Helicopters in Canada and around the world. Airbus offers a broad range of rotorcraft and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) that can support wildfire response from active fire suppression and the transport of firefighters and equipment to evacuation, reconnaissance, mapping and situational awareness. Spanning light single-engine to heavy multi-mission helicopters, the Airbus range provides operators with flexibility to respond to different missions, environments and stages of a wildfire response. Uncrewed systems can further extend these capabilities by providing aerial observation and intelligence, including in environments where sending a crewed aircraft may carry greater risk. Airbus’ HTeaming technology takes this integration a step further, enabling crews to control uncrewed systems directly from the helicopter cockpit and use them for forward observation while remaining focused on the primary mission. Together, these crewed and uncrewed capabilities provide operators and first responders with greater flexibility, information and situational awareness when responding to increasingly complex wildfire environments.
BELL TEXTRON CANADA Mirabel, QC, bellflight.com/ca
COVER PHOTOS: CONAIR GROUP (TOP), GUSTAV KLOT PHOTOGRAPHY
For more than 75 years, Bell has pushed the boundaries of public safety aviation, introducing the world’s first fire helicopter and the first dedicated public safety helicopter and partnering with collaborators worldwide. Today, as a Textron subsidiary, Bell is a global leader in commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft, serving customers in more than 120 countries. Celebrating 40 years of operations in Canada, Bell Textron Canada has, since 1986, been a driving force in Canadian aerospace. With more than 1,500 employees and more than 1,000 aircraft delivered across the country, the company continues to anchor Bell’s innovation and presence in Canada.
CONAIR GROUP Abbotsford, BC, conair.ca
A global leader in emergency response aircraft production and operations, Conair manufactures, owns, and operates the world’s largest fleet of fixed-wing aircraft specializing in aerial firefighting (see page 48 for operations information). Conair is a trusted manufacturer of emergency response aircraft, creating 16 different aircraft types and converting more than 200 individual aircraft for service around the world. The company is currently modifying Dash 8-400 commercial aircraft into specialized emergency response airtankers and the Daher TBM 960 into an Air Attack Multi-Mission platform. The Dash 8-400AT is is a land-based airtanker, dropping retardant or water from a 10,000-litre tank. It operates from shorter runways, typically located in rural regions, closer to where wildfires may occur. The Dash 8-400MRE is Conair’s multi-role variant to perform critical airborne missions. With a customizable platform, the Dash 8-400MRE features added capabilities to transport crews, evacuate citizens, ship WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
equipment and supplies, or medevac patients. The company now has 28 Dash 8-400 aircraft modified for aerial firefighting support operating around the world
DAHER/KODIAK Sandpoint, Idaho, kodiak.aero
Daher’s workhorse Kodiak aircraft family is operated in multi-mission applications that range from wildfire suppression and natural resources monitoring to public safety and humanitarian missions. Produced in the Kodiak 100 version and its longer-fuselage Kodiak 900 variant, these high-wing aircraft are well tailored for fire suppression duties, bringing together the advantages of long loiter times, high stability at slow flight speeds, the ability to take off and land from short/unimproved fields, and substantial useful load capacities to deploy equipment and supplies.
DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA Calgary, AB, dehavilland.com
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited is a cornerstone of Canadian aerospace innovation, designing, building and supporting aircraft in Canada for the global market. Every aircraft the company produces creates high-value jobs, strengthens its national aerospace industry, and contributes to a resilient and growing economy. With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Its aircraft connect people and places – from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs – carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year. Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance and more. The company’s near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
PORTAGE AIRCRAFT SPECIALTIES Portage la Prairie, MB, portageaircraft.ca
Portage Aircraft Specialities is a Canadian retail dealership for Air Tractor. It also provides maintenance and repair services through its 8,400-square-foot maintenance facility, providing a range of Air Tractor parts. Portage Aircraft Maintenance is a Transport Canada Approved Maintenance Organization. Its services include: 100, 200, 300-hour and annual inspections, structural repairs, avionic upgrades and installations, compressor washes, overhauls, hot section and detailed borescope inspections, engine installations, propeller balancing and overhauls, A/C recharging, and instrument recertifications.
KEPPLAIR EVOLUTION Toulouse, France, kepplair-evolution.com
Founded in Toulouse, France, in 2012, Kepplair Evolution specializes in aerial firefighting technologies, building on more than 15 years of scientific research into fluid mechanics and aerial delivery performance. This expertise has led to the development of the KEPPLAIR 72, a next-generation multi-role mid-size airtanker based on the proven ATR 72 platform, combining a widely operated and supported aircraft with innovative firefighting technology. At its core is the proprietary KEDS or Kepplair Evolution Delivery System. Developed with fluid mechanics experts and Trotter Controls, KEDS is engineered to deliver up to 7,500 litres (1,981 gallons) of water or fire retardant with optimized ground coverage. Designed around real-world operational requirements and costeffectiveness, the KEPPLAIR 72 combines ground effectiveness, rapid turnaround, high availability and operational flexibility. The aircraft can land, refill and take off in less than 10 minutes and operate from short, unpaved airstrips, enabling faster rotations from bases closer Fall 2026 | WINGS 29
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to wildfire areas. Beyond wildfire response, its Large Cargo Door and modular cabin enable rapid reconfiguration for cargo, Medevac and troop transport missions, supporting year-round aircraft utilization and a sustainable operating model. Recognizing that the KEPPLAIR 72 must be capable of integrating into an operational system, Kepplair Evolution has also developed a range of related services to provide a comprehensive operational solution for agencies responsible for fighting wildfires, such as pilot training for firefighting, training for maintenance and technical assistance for the integration.
METREA Washington, DC, metrea.aero
Metrea provides effects-as-a-service to national security partners across multiple domains and more than a dozen mission areas. The enterprise addresses complex national security challenges by combining commercial technology, operational expertise and innovative business models to deliver mission-focused outcomes. Metrea’s approach starts with identifying difficult operational challenges and anticipating customer requirements before they become urgent. By bringing operators and engineers together, the enterprise rapidly translates operational insight into practical capability. This design-build-operate model accelerates innovation and enables Metrea to deliver integrated solutions that evolve alongside customer needs. Through its Aero group, Metrea delivers agile, ready-to-deploy capabilities across critical air domain mission sets, including airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), special mission aviation, air-to-air refuelling, advanced tactical rotary-wing training and executive transport. Its flexible service model provides capability when and where it is needed, helping customers achieve operational advantage without the cost and complexity of traditional ownership approaches.
POSITIVE AVIATION Blagnac, France, positive-aviation.com
Positive Aviation’s mission is to design, develop, certify and integrate STCs to modify an ATR 72 into the FF72 family of aircraft. The FF72 platform is a new generation of heavy water scooper and tanker firefighting aircraft, scheduled to be available by 2028. The FF72Scooper is being designed with an 8-tonne scooping capacity, while the FF72-Tanker is being designed to carry 10 tonnes. The aircraft being developed in Europe by a consortium of engineering and industrial interests targeting a production rate of 12 aircraft per year by 2030.
PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA Longueuil, QC, prattwhitney.com
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for military, commercial and civil aviation customers. Since 1925, our engineers have pioneered the development of revolutionary aircraft propulsion technologies, and today we support more than 90,000 in-service engines through our global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT Stratford, CT, lockheedmartin.com
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The S-70i Firehawk helicopter features a 1,000-gallon belly water tank, extended landing gear, 600-pound rescue hoist, and NVG compatible digital cockpit. The Firehawk can carry up to 13 firefighters and their gear, drop 1,000 gallons of water with precision, and perform at a dash speed of up to 140 knots.
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DART AEROSPACE Montreal, QC, dartaerospace.com
Since 1975, DART Aerospace has grown to become an industry leader in helicopter mission equipment, parts and accessories, serving more than 120 countries and supporting more than 5,000 aircraft worldwide. Over the years, DART has evolved into a global force in helicopter equipment with 2,500 STC-certified products, a robust aftermarket support network, and a team of passionate experts dedicated to customers’ missions, whether in emergency medical services, firefighting, utility, law enforcement, defense, completion centers, MRO facilities, or all major rotorcraft OEMs. DART’s key products include aerial firefighting systems, flotation systems, landing gear, interior and exterior accessories, fuel cells, cargo expansion, cable cutters, environmental control systems, and ground support equipment. DART is proud to offer the highest value, quality, and durability available through its Global Centers of Excellence. They have been designing, manufacturing, installing, testing, inspecting, repairing, and certifying products for 50 years. The seven facilities are located around the world, including Canada, U.S., Mexico and the UK.
DELTA WILDFIRE RESPONSE Kamloops, BC, deltawildfire.com
Delta Wildfire Response assists provincial emergency response agencies and first nations communities to mitigate the threat of wildfires by moving big water. Delta Wildfire has an experienced Rapid Response team to use its pumping and hose systems to bring serious water volume to wildland crews or structure protection units. Delta Wildfire also has first-ever, night-time operation compatible, engineered Helicopter Dipping Tanks which are based on the pilot qualifications
from HAC. Its heli-dipping tanks are designed to increase pilot safety during bucketing operations by moving the water source closer to wildland fires.
HELITEK FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT Lake MacDonald, Australia, helitak.com.au
Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment is a leading manufacturer of aerial firefighting equipment, supplying expandable belly tanks for helicopters, buckets and associated systems to operators worldwide. Designed for reliability and performance in demanding conditions, Helitak systems are used across a wide range of aerial firefighting operations/ In late 2025, Helitak received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) for the installation of the Helitak FT4250 Fire Tank. This milestone certification marked a significant expansion of Helitak’s operational footprint into the Canadian aerial firefighting market, reinforcing its position as a global leader in innovative helicopter-based firefighting solutions. The FT4250, a high-capacity belly-mounted fire suppression tank, is engineered specifically for the Airbus AS332 Super Puma platforms. Known for its lightweight carbon fiber design and rapid fill/drop capabilities, the FT4250 enables firefighting operators to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining optimal aircraft performance and safety. Helitak Firefighting equipment now has STC issued under the FAA, EASA and TCCA for the FT4250 tank system.
KAWAK AVIATION Bend, OR, kawakaviation.com
Kawak Aviation engineers and produces aerial firefighting products focusing on tanking systems, related pumps and hydraulics. Its tank systems, refill pumps and hydraulic power solutions are leveraged by a range of platforms like Bell, Kaman and Firehawks.
U030 Flexrotor. 12+ hours of unblinking overwatch.
airbus.com
Airbus. Made to matter
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AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS & TANKS
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
PLATINUM TANK Chambly, QC, platinumtank.com
Platinum Tank Group is a specialist in the design and manufacture of aluminum tanker trailers for the transport of liquid products, bulk products and aircraft refuellers. Overall, Platinum Tank Group (PTG) and its related companies manufacture approximately 1,200 units per year and employ more than 300 people on a regular basis. Since 1984, Columbia Remtec, a PTG company, has continued to improve aluminum tanker trailers for the transport of both refined petroleum and crude oil as well as specialty equipment designed for back-country aircraft refueling mainly serving the Western Canadian market. Since 1994, Almac, a PTG company based in Lanoraie, Que., has been manufacturing mainly aluminum truck mounted tankers for metered petroleum product delivery, specialty petroleum semi-trailers and aircraft refueling equipment along with municipal tankers such street flushers and firefighting equipment. Since 1979, PTG company Remtec has focused on serving Eastern markets.
VALLFIREST Barcelona, Spain, vallfirest.com
Vallfirest, a global leader in wildland firefighting equipment, in July 2025 acquired Aerial Fire Control, an Australian-based company best known for its Water Hog aerial firefighting bucket. It is designed for helicopters of all sizes, featuring rugged materials and equipped with a variable-flow multi-drop valve as standard.
WIPAIRE St. Paul, MN, wipaire.com
For more than 60 years, Wipaire has been engineering and manufacturing a full line of aircraft floats for all sizes of aircraft. It has engineered more than 100 STC modifications, in addition to maintenance,
avionics installation and repair, custom interior design and installation, and exterior paint refinishing. Wipaire provides the Fire Boss water scooping system that is installed exclusively on the Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft. This system combines airframe modifications, aircraft performance enhancers, and a pair of Wipline 10000 series amphibious water-scooping floats that enable the AT-802 to scoop up to 800 gallons in about 15 seconds.
DRONES & RPAS CANDRONE Vancouver, BC, candrone.com
Candrone is a Canadian RPAS solutions provider serving wildfire, forestry and public safety operations across Canada, operating its own contracted flight services team. Candrone's service team is contracted by government agencies to detect and map wildland fires. Core wildfire work includes infrared hotspot detection following containment – locating hidden heat in root systems, burned stumps and subsurface fuel that can drive reignition – along with active-incident detection, perimeter mapping, and situational awareness supporting ground and air operations. Deliverables are built around the containment sign-off decision: a hotspot map identifying and locating hidden heat sources, delivered in time to inform the next operational shift. Flight operations by Candrone are conducted by pilots holding Level 1 Complex RPAS Pilot Certificates under Transport Canada’s CARs Part IX, operating under BVLOS authorization and Special Flight Operations Certificates where the flight profile requires. Every flight includes NAV CANADA/NAV Drone coordination and shift-level NOTAM verification. Candrone also supplies enterprise RPAS platforms, thermal and multispectral sensors, LiDAR systems, mapping software,
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DRONE AMPLIFIED Lincoln, NE, droneamplified.com
Drone Amplified develops fire management technologies built around drone based solutions. Its flagship system, IGNIS, is an aerial ignition payload designed for prescribed burns and wildfire operations. With hundreds of units deployed, IGNIS has become a trusted tool for agencies across North America. Drone Amplified specializes in full system integration, combining software, electronics, and mechanical design tailored for field operations. It actively support customers across the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe.
FIRESWARM SOLUTIONS Squamish, BC, fireswarmsolutions.com
FireSwarm Solutions bridges the gap in wildfire defense with an automated aerial suppression platform, combining ultra-heavy-lift technology and advanced automation to deliver fast, efficient protection for communities, ecosystems, and critical infrastructure. Its autonomous drone swarms feature 350- to 400-kg payload capacity, with the ability to operate at night or in heavy smoke to enable continuous 24/7 protection for high-risk areas, catching fires at their incipient stages before they escalate into disasters. FireSwarm technology has been recognized as an XPRIZE Wildfire qualified team and awarded funding from the BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy. Its mission is to prevent and suppress wildfires with unprecedented speed and precision. Beyond wildfire response, its heavy-lift platform supports critical tasks like filling pumpkin tanks, transporting equipment, wetting down at-risk areas, and accessing hard-to-reach locations where roads fall short.
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WATER STRIDER Calgary, AB, waterstriderinc.com
Water Strider develops UAV systems for wildfire and defence applications. The company’s M3 HH heavy-lift UAV is being engineered to deliver more than 500,000 litres of suppressant per day per system. It allows for reaching remote ignitions fast, dropping with precision, and flying when crewed aircraft stand down. The Air Defence (Falcon-M2 Sentinel Network) is being developed as a persistent aerial defense system utilizing a networked grid of interceptor sentinels. It features an 800 km design range and autonomous unit-to-unit coordination
VOLATUS AEROSPACE Mirabel, QC, volatusaerospace.com
Volatus Aerospace is a Canadian integrated aerospace company providing unmanned aerial systems, aerial intelligence services, autonomy software, and advanced training solutions supporting civil infrastructure, public safety and defence markets. Through its combination of manufacturing, operations, and technology development, Volatus is advancing the adoption of autonomous systems while supporting sovereign aerospace capability development in Canada and allied markets. The Company operates a global platform supporting drone operations, pilot training, equipment sales, and data services while continuing to expand its capabilities in autonomy, remote operations, and next-generation aerial technologies. In June 2026, Volatus opened a 53,000-square-foot facility in Mirabel, Que., establishing domestic manufacturing base. Other highlights from the company in 2026 include the introduction of its proprietary V-Cortex AI flight controller and autonomy operating system at CANSEC, and entering partnerships with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, with Concordia University’s Volt-Age research program, and with Singular Aircraft to introduce a heavy-lift autonomous aircraft for Canadian wildfire response.
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and equipment rentals. Candrone Academy provides RPAS licensing, certification and operational training for agency and community crews.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
COMMS, FLIGHT TRACKING & DATA AIR TRAIL Edmonton, AB, airtrail.co
Air Trail aims to help aviation operators of all sizes and missions with the costs of regulatory compliance through automation. Its software can be used by air crew, mechanics and managers of fixed- and rotarywing operators. Its technology captures details of flights and maintenance, including actual times, recency information, trends, defect details, crew and AME sign-offs, and more. Crew members can log their duty time and Air Trail will take care of the rest, including proactive duty limit alerts. It also provides weight limit data, compliance tracking, and can generate air bills that include hours flown, fuel fills, distances and more.
AIRSUITE Thunder Bay, ON, air-suite.com
Cirro by Airsuite is a complete air and ground operations and Safety Management System (SMS) built for mixed-fleet operators. The Cirro system is modular by design, meaning you can select the tools you need, such as SMS, Flight Duty Times tracking, flight following, passenger/fire crew manifests, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Ground Management, and more. Cirro works across all device types, platforms and offline in remote environments, always providing full operational oversight and audit ready. With Cirro, integrate with other software you trust, including popular maintenance, satellite and ADSB tracking, and aviation training tools all within one system.
AEM Kelowna, BC, aem-corp.com
aircraft communication and loudspeaker systems, mission radios, AS350/H125 avionics consoles, caution panels, and airframe crack detection sensors. AEM offers technical product support and repair services, and is a Transport Canada approved manufacturer, holds EASA Part 145 Maintenance approval, and is ISO9001/AS9100D registered and certified under Canada's Controlled Goods Program. AEM is a wholly owned subsidiary of SMS Canada Corp, part of the Structural Monitoring Systems plc companies.
GUARDIAN MOBILITY Ottawa, ON, guardianmobility.com
Since 2002, Guardian Mobility has provided aviation operators with flight tracking, communications, and connectivity solutions for mission-critical operations. Guardian delivers end-to-end solutions, including hardware, airtime, software, and support to operators worldwide. For aerial firefighting, Guardian Mobility helps connect aircraft, ground assets, and operational teams with Automated Flight Following (AFF), Additional Telemetry Unit (ATU) capabilities, satellite communications, and real-time tracking. These solutions enhance situational awareness and operational coordination, including visibility into aircraft location and water-drop activity. Guardian’s G6, powered by Iridium Certus 100, brings IP-based satellite connectivity to the aircraft, supporting voice, messaging, Pushto-Talk, tracking, and data applications beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. The platform also enables interoperability with third-party applications such as ATAK, helping crews and command teams share critical information across the operation. From AFF and ATU to satellite voice, messaging, and IP connectivity, Guardian Mobility provides an integrated communications platform built for demanding aerial firefighting missions.
AEM is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of
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Patterson Distributors developed the Eye in the Sky as an aircraft cockpit video, audio, and flight data recording system. Manufactured in New Zealand, this aviation certified flight data monitoring tool is designed to increase safety and keep fleets running to optimum effciency. Installed in your aircraft, the Eye in the Sky automatically captures high-definition video of the cockpit view and instrument panel along with intercom, radio and ambient audio, GPS and accelerometer data. The data can be used to investigate in-flight occurrences, solve intermittent engineering faults, debrief pilot training as well as to find definitive answers in the event of an accident.
SKYPLAN SERVICES Calgary, AB, skyplan.com
Skyplan is a global provider of flight operation and trip-support services. With the launch of the latest iteration of its flight-planning software, Aurora, a flight department has immediate access to Web-based global flight planning, weather services, up-link, Air Traffic Control (ATC) filings, and integrated runway analysis. Users can leverage the company’s Trip Support and Fixed Based Operations team to access Skyplan’s global service network for contract fuel, overflight and landing clearances, ground handling, concierge services, custom arrangement facilities, and private jet charters.
SKYTRAC SYSTEMS Kelowna, BC, skytrac.ca
For more than 35 years, SKYTRAC has been trusted by leading aerial firefighting operators to provide mission critical capabilities to ensure their mission's success. With 40 years of experience in aviation, SKYTRAC is trusted by over 800 customers as a leading provider of LEO satellite and cellular communication services for all aerospace sectors.
Working with operators, organizations, and OEMs, SKYTRAC enables capabilities such as regulatory required automated flight following (AFF), air tanker information systems (ATIS), operational load monitoring (OLM), telemetry, voice, and text communications, low-latency video streaming, real-time HUMS, and more over Iridium Certus and cellular networks.
TABULA Mosgiel, New Zealand, tabula.live
Tabula provides job management, guidance and tracking solutions across agriculture, horticulture, aviation and vector control – helping to connect complex operations, reduce admin and keep teams safe both in the field and in the air. Founded in New Zealand in 2006 as TracMap, Tabula now works with more than 3,500 customers in 16 countries, logging a combined total of more than 60,000 jobs per month, covering 2.7 million hectares. The growing Tabula team serves customers from bases in New Zealand, Australia, the U.S. and the UK. In June 2026, as an example of its work with operators, Tabula with Transall Tankers to integrate live fireground intelligence capability into the Transall C-160 aerial firefighting platform, supporting the development of a more advanced and connected bushfire response capability for Australia and selected international markets. The integration of Tabula’s FireVision platform will combine live fireground mapping, thermal imaging, aerial asset tracking and operational intelligence with the heavy-lift capability of the C-160 aircraft platform. FireVision by Tabula is an aerial firefighting intelligence and operational coordination platform built on Tabula’s proven AirVision technology. Designed to support aerial firefighting contractors, pilots, and incident management teams, FireVision delivers integrated mapping, live aerial asset tracking, fireground visibility, terrain awareness, drop zone prediction, and connected operational intelligence in near real time.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
PATTERSON DISTRIBUTORS Wellington, New Zealand, eyeinthesky.co.nz
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RAPID RESPONSE
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TRACPLUS Dunedin, New Zealand, tracplus.com
TracPlus is a tracking and communications provider of real-time tracking, event reporting and messaging. TracPlus enables multiple asset types to be tracked and integrated into one cohesive system, meaning contractors can use their own tracking systems but send their data to TracPlus when working alongside others.
VELLOX GROUP Adelaide, Australia, velloxgroup.com
Vellox Group is a fully unified software platform integrating the capabilities of five historically independent, market-leading businesses: Spidertracks, Air Maestro, Flight Vector, Complete Flight and ADSoftware. Its industry-leading platform provides a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping decision-makers with the insights, innovation, and agility needed to adapt to evolving market demands and maintain excellence at every stage of operations. Leading air – and increasingly ground – operators trust Vellox Group to ensure efficiency, compliance, safety, and operational excellence. Powered by a global team of industry experts and cutting-edge AI, Vellox Group’s integrated operations, fleet, dispatch, safety and maintenance systems provide unmatched effectiveness and control.
IMAGING & DETECTION
does: turn raw aerial imagery into intelligence crews can actually use. The platform processes thermal and RGB imagery from drones, helicopters, or fixed-wing aircraft into geo-referenced hotspot maps in minutes. Nova surfaces heat that is invisible through smoke, darkness, or canopy, and lets crews filter by temperature, size, and distance to perimeter so resources go exactly where they are needed. Maps and live video stream directly to command and crews in the field, and export straight into the GIS tools they already run, including Avenza, SAR Topo, and TAK. Nova now supports more than 200 agencies and operators across North America and Australia.
OFIL AIRBORNE Vienna, Austria, ofil-airborne.com
OFIL Airborne is a European manufacturer of aerial inspection gimbal systems, providing wildfire detection and mapping, as well as inspections for powerlines, oil and gas, and other utility sectors, for customers around the world. OFIL supplies advanced, zoomable ultra-high-definition (SXGA) LWIR thermal imaging for unmatched hotspot detection and mapping across varied terrain and lighting conditions. MWIR, SWIR and solar-blind UV sensor options are also available. OFIL's gimbals come in various sizes, from larger systems with the highest-performance optics, to smaller lighter gimbals designed for fixed-wing, small helicopters, or even very large drones.
OVERWATCH IMAGING Hood River, OR, overwatchimaging.com
NOVA Victoria, B.C., mapnova.com
Nova is founded by two former British Columbia wildland firefighters who spent years working active fire lines with nothing but what they could see with their own eyes. That experience shaped what Nova
Overwatch Imaging is a global leader in airborne wildfire intelligence technologies. The venture-backed small business was founded in 2016. It develops AI-driven automation software and multispectral smart sensor payloads that serve a wide range of time-critical missions around the world, from wildfire intelligence and natural disaster
DRONE LIVE 1
BUILT FOR THE FRONT LINE A Mid-Size Air Tanker designed to support Cost Effective Firefighting Operations
Equipped with the KEPPLAIR EVOLUTION DELIVERY SYSTEM (KEDS®) A next-generation system developed to maximize the operational effectiveness of every drop of 7,500 liters / 1,981 gal on the ground
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aircraft (such as airtankers), flight characteristics assessments, ferry tank installations, powerplant conversions, and data acquisition systems.
TRAKKA SYSTEMS Bradenton, FL, trakkasystems.com
AV-BASE Systems/WinAir holds more than 35 years of experience in developing and servicing aviation management software. Companies rely on WinAir to track and manage aircraft maintenance and inventory control. WinAir has hundreds of installations at aviation-specific organizations worldwide from airlines to heli-ops, law enforcement agencies, oil industry suppliers, MROs, CAMOs, medical evacuation response teams and more. The company’s technology is available as Operators, Heliops and MRO Packages.
Trakka Systems for more than two decades been a pioneer in providing Critical Vision Technologies for airborne, land and maritime missions. Trakka provides a total solution for fire detection and mapping that equips air operators with the necessary tools to navigate through smoke, haze, and darkness. TrakkaCam’s radiometric airborne camera measures temperature and UV discharge levels, while its shortwave infrared sensors are designed to see through haze and dense smoke. The TrakkaBeam high-intensity searchlight provides lighting in compromised environments; and its TrakkaMaps mapping software offers a range of views, including 3D, street, satellite and augmented reality.
MRO, MODIFICATIONS & ENGINEERING AMTECH AERONAUTICAL Medicine Hat, AB, amtech-group.com
Formed in 1991, Amtech is a multi-disciplinary company providing services and speciality products in aeronautical/certification engineering. Amtech has worked with a range of certification authorities and is delegated by Transport Canada to approve major modifications on all categories of fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft under Design Approval Organization (DAO) delegation. Amtech has extensive experience in structural modifications and repairs, interior systems, avionics and electrical system modifications, float installations, special mission
AV-BASE SYSTEMS/WINAIR Kitchener, ON, winair.ca
CASCADE AEROSPACE Abbottsford, BC, cascadeaerospace.com
Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence, supports a range of airframe platforms and operational needs. This includes supporting military, government and commercial aircraft. Cascade is well-known for its aerospace engineering services for custom product design, manufacturing, and certification..
CONSOLIDATED TURBINE SPECIALISTS Langley, BC, ctsturbines.com
Consolidated Turbine Specialists (CTS) is headquartered in Bristow, Oklahoma, as an independent MRO facility specializing in PT6 repair and overhaul. It is certified by the FAA, EASA, DOT and DBCA on Pratt & Whitney PT6T and PT6A series engines. Its Canadian division, located in Langley, B.C., is certified by Transport Canada and EASA. CTS offers a range of PT6 services: Full engine overhaul and repair, worldwide 24/7 field service, hot section inspection, fuel nozzle
Global Reach, Local Impact A tactical team of aerial firefighting aircraft for fast and effective operations. Innovating for a sustainable future. conair.ca
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AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
response to counter narcotics, border security, tactical intelligence, and maritime search, rescue and environmental monitoring. Wildfire intelligence is a core market segment for Overwatch Imaging, which develops complete, multispectral sensor payloads that collect and process high-resolution image data.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
overhaul/exchange, accessory overhaul/ repair, component overhaul/ repair, reduce engines to spares, AOG support, upgrade modification, and part sales.
to include military aircrew training, aircraft leasing and air cargo operations. Today, more than 1,200 employees across Canada support customers at home and around the world.
FREEDOM AERO SERVICE McClellan, California, freedomaeroservice.com
S.A.F.E. STRUCTURE DESIGNS Las Vegas, NV, safestructuredesigns.com
Founded in 2008, Freedom Aero Service specializes in the repair and overhaul of aircraft components, specifically electrical and electronic accessories. The company also provides sales of these aviation products to civil and government organizations. The company’s MRO business is focused on business jets and helicopters. Freedom Aero recently introduced a new Repair Station location in Hamilton, Ohio, which puts Freedom in a better geographical position to serve the Upper Midwest and East Coast regions, providing increased repair capabilities, as well as a range of popular avionics products for exchange and outright sale. Freedom Aero now services more than 400 part numbers.
KF AEROSPACE Kelowna, BC, kfaero.ca
For more than 56 years, KF Aerospace has delivered trusted aviation solutions from its home base in Kelowna. As Canada’s largest commercial MRO provider, the company provides comprehensive maintenance, engineering, modifications, component repair and supply chain support for commercial, military and specialty aircraft. With extensive experience supporting complex and mission-critical fleets, KF Aerospace provides operators with the expertise and capabilities needed to keep aircraft performing at their best. From heavy maintenance and structural modifications to engineering solutions and ongoing technical support, the company works alongside customers to meet demanding operational requirements and maximize fleet readiness. Since 1970, KF Aerospace has grown
Safe Structure Designs (S.A.F.E.) is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of ergonomic safety equipment for the aerial firefighting industry. The company’s design process is completely free of cost. It is focused on providing the best solution for each client’s unique circumstances.
STANDARDAERO Scottsdale, AZ, standardaero.com
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, and interior completions. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in the airline, business and general aviation, military, helicopter, and energy markets.
VIH AEROSPACE North Saanic, BC, vihaerospace.com
VIH Aerospace provides value-enhanced helicopter Manufacturing, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MMRO) services that aim to meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Led by Original Equipment Manufacturer-approved Technician Managers, VIH Aerospace provides services for a range helicopter manufacturers. In March 2026, VIH Aerospace received official approval as a Sikorsky-authorized Customer Support Center (CSC) for the S-92A helicopter. It can perform MRO services on S-92A aircraft
MORE WATER. MORE CONTROL. MORE CAPABILITY. RETRACTABLE TANKS | FIRE BUCKETS | HOVER PUMPS | HYDROFILL Lightweight Construction Rapid Installation & Removal Proven Firefighting Performance Solutions for Multiple Helicopter Platforms FAA STC & EASA, TCCA Certified Solutions
WWW.HELITAK.COM. AU
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VOYAGEUR AVIATION North Bay, ON, voyav.com
With over 50 years of experience, Voyageur supports aircraft and fleet operations domestically and around the world. It specializes in the modification and operation of Special Mission aircraft that serve a variety of government and defence clients. Under Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO) authority, Voyageur designs, flight tests and certifies structural and avionic modifications. Its modifications have supported air ambulance, aerial fireighting, atmospheric research, geophysical analysis, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), emergency medical evacuation for humanitarian relief, and airbourne courier services. Voyageur’s 200,000-square-foot MRO facilities are supported by a large parts and logistics operation, component R&O, and shops for
accessories, composites, structures and avionics manufacturing and servicing. Voyageur is currently expanding into Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems platforms.
PARTS & DISTRIBUTION CANADIAN AIR PARTS Delta, BC, canadianairparts.com
Canadian Air Parts has been supporting the helicopter industry for more than 30 years, providing reliable parts, component services, and technical support to aerial firefighting operators throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally. Based in Delta, Canadian Air Parts (CAP) maintains more than $10 million in inventory across 10,000-plus line items, specializing in Bell (204, 205, 206, 212, 412), Airbus (AS350/H125, AS355, AS332), and Sikorsky (S61, S76) platforms. CAP’s capabilities include outright sales, exchange, rental programs, consignment inventory management, and flat-rate component programs, helping operators minimize downtime during critical wildfire operations. CAP is the Canadian distributor for Kawak Aviation Technologies’ Cascade Fire Buckets supporting operators with aerial firefighting equipment. CAP also provides in-house calibration services for DSS MicroVib, Chadwick Helmuth, Vibrex, and Strobex rotor track and balance equipment, along with System X Ceramic Protection, which protects aircraft paint and exterior surfaces from UV exposure, soot, ash, dirt, and other contaminants encountered during demanding firefighting operations, making post-mission cleaning easier while helping preserve the aircraft's appearance and finish.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
from its headquarters near Victoria International Airport. VIHA is now one of eight S-92A CSCs worldwide, and the first located Canada. Other Sikorsky-authorized CSCs are in the United States, Asia and Europe. The company is also supported by its helicopter operation called VIH Helicopters. VIH Aerospace’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer team members undergo a rigorous recurrent in-house training program that follows Occupational Health and Safety programs and procedures. The operation also holds skilled Component Technicians and Sheet Metal Technicians who are experienced in the repair and overhaul of a range of helicopter components and structures. VIH Aerospace’s Avionics team is trained to repair and maintain complex and sophisticated avionics systems, including Night Vision, FLIR, communications and radar and navigation systems for legacy helicopters, and performing system upgrades and modifications to meet changing operational environments.
OFIL AIRBORNE Aerial Inspection Systems
Now with NOVA fire and hotspot mapping, trusted by 17 State and 9 Provincial agencies.
FAST AFFORDABLE EASY TEL: 1 604 889 2169
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KADEX AERO SUPPLY Peterborough, ON, kadexaero.com
Founded in 1994 and acquired by Chorus Aviation in 2026, Kadex provides PMA and OEM replacement parts, as well as repair and overhaul services for commercial, business aviation, general aviation, rotorcraft, government and defence operators. With facilities in Peterborough and Calgary, Kadex represents more than 70 manufacturers.
MMKL GROUP Saskatoon, SK, mmklgroup.com
MMKL Group specializes in providing distribution channels for emergency management supply chains, focusing on wildfire suppression equipment and solutions. It supplies a range of fireline hand tools such as Pulaskis, McLeods, shovels, axes, and rakes, essential for creating firebreaks and controlling ground fires. MMKL Group provides a line of wildland fire helmets, Nomex clothing for flame resistance, and durable wildland boots for heat protection and terrain support.
TEMPEST AVIATION GROUP Kelowna, BC, tempest.aero
Tempest has been providing global helicopter parts support since 2001. It provides refurbished parts and component sales with OEM certifications, as well as global rotorcraft sales and fleet divestments to help manage and optimize assets.
CANADIAN OPERATORS ABERDEEN HELICOPTERS Prince George, BC, aberdeenheli.com
encompass fire suppression, forestry, mountain climbing support, back-country hiking, skiing excursions, fishing trips, wilderness photography flights, mining exploration, and powerline maintenance.
ADVANTAGE HELICOPTERS Vernon, BC, advantageheli.com
Founded in 1994, Advantage Helicopters is an owner-operator-driven company holding Bell aircraft that are fire-suppression ready. The company primarily offers helicopter charter services and also holds Aircraft Maintenance Organization status.
AIRBORNE ENERGY SOLUTIONS Whitecourt, AB, airborneenergysolutions.com
Airborne Energy Solutions (AES) provides a range of helicopter services, in addition to leveraging fixed-wing assets for oil, gas, forestry and mining industries in Western Canada and the Arctic. In 2024, AES worked closely with Transport Canada to bring in CH-47 Chinook helicopters – with its partner Billings Flying Service – for wildfire suppression. AES in 2023 added a UH60A Black Hawk to its fleet, which also includes Astar, Bell, Robinson and Eurocopter aircraft.
AIRSPAN HELICOPTERS Sechelt, BC, airspanhelicopters.com
As a Transport Canada-approved maintenance facility, Airspan maintains a fleet of approximately six helicopters and offers a range of services, focusing on forestry and including aerial firefighting support.
ALPINE HELICOPTERS Kelowna, BC, alpinehelicopters.com
Aberdeen Helicopters is a versatile multimission provider. Its services
Operating since 1961, Alpine provides aerial firefighting and related services, as well as services like heli-skiing, heli-hiking, mountain
ENGINE SUPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON — WHEN IT MATTERS MOST Wildfire season demands adaptable, dependable performance. With over 60 years of turboprop expertise, StandardAero delivers trusted MRO solutions for your Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A, PW100 and PW150A engines. FLEXIBLE. RELIABLE. PROFESSIONAL. JUST LIKE YOU.
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Terrace. B.C.; along with bases in Edmonton and Calgary, Atla. Its fleet includes Bell 212, AS350 B3, B2, BA and Bell 206 aircraft, providing passenger transport, aerial ignition, water bucketing and stand-by medevac during wildfire season.
ARROW HELICOPTERS Revelstoke, BC, arrowhelicopters.com
BLACK TUSK HELICOPTERS Brackendale, BC, blacktuskhelicopter.com
ASCENT HELICOPTERS Parksville, BC, ascenthelicopters.ca
CANADIAN HELICOPTERS Les Cedres, QC, canadianhelicopters.com
AURORA HELICOPTERS Vernon, BC, auroraheli.com
COLDSTREAM HELICOPTERS Kelowna, BC, coldstreamhelicopters.com
Established in 2005, Arrow Helicopters specializes in providing Vertical Reference Training for both high- and low-time pilots. The Class D approved company is known for SAR services, fire suppression, as well as mountain missions like avalanche control.
Ascent Helicopters, a Class D approved operator, offers fire suppression and serves various sectors including utilities, construction, film and television, heli-skiing, air ambulance, and natural resources. Ascent holds a second base in Fernie, B.C.
Aurora Helicopters specializes in fire suppression and pre-suppression services. These services include transporting firefighting personnel and equipment to predetermined locations, conducting aerial smoke patrols to detect forest fires in high hazard areas, and engaging in suppression activities like water-bucket drops.
BAILEY HELICOPTERS Fort St. John, BC, baileyhelicopters.com
Founded in 1989, Bailey Helicopters offers services across multiple industries with bases in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Prince George,
Black Tusk Helicopters provides fire suppression and other services for various provincial agencies. Equipped with Bambi Buckets and automated flight systems, its fleet supports firefighting efforts in B.C. and Alberta with specialized features like foam-injection systems.
With roots tracing back to 1947, Canadian Helicopters specializes in personnel and cargo transport, fire suppression, seismic surveys, and more. With flight training and maintenance operations, the company operates in eight Canadian provinces and territories.
Coldstream Helicopters specializes in emergency services driven by heavy-lift aircraft, such as fire suppression, mountain rescue, disaster support, evacuation services and longlining, as well as powerline construction and construction work. With bases in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba, the company is equipped for various helicopter operations and missions.
CONAIR GROUP Abbotsford, BC, conair.ca
A global leader in emergency response aircraft production and
WILDFIRES WON’T WAIT. It’s time for a national waterbomber fleet. WINGSMAGAZINE.COM WG_De Havilland Aircraft_Fall26_AFF_CSA.indd 1
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rescue, seismic and mining support. With a fleet of approximately 40 helicopters, including Bell 212HP BLR, Bell 407, Bell 206L1/3, and AS350B3e types, Alpine holds a base in Golden, B.C., as well as Calgary, Canmore, High Level and Grimshaw, Alta.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
operations, Conair manufactures, owns, and operates the world’s largest fleet of fixed-wing aircraft specializing in aerial firefighting. Operating across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia and beyond, the organization provides a comprehensive range of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and training to support government agencies fighting wildfires. With a strong focus on safety, Conair offers pilots access to a Training + Tactics Centre, which includes specialized aerial firefighting simulators designed to enhance successful missions in real-world operations. Conair hold a versatile fleet of 80 aircraft, including bird dogs, land-based airtankers, and amphibious aircraft, such as the CL415 and AT802 Fire Boss. The latest addition to Conair's fleet is the Dash 8-400 airtanker, with a 10,000-litre capacity to drop water or retardant over diverse terrains.
CONTOUR HELICOPTERS Fort Langley, BC, contourhelicopters.com
Founded in 2019, Contour currently operates a fleet of Airbus and Bell aircraft in wildfire suppression roles, in addition to its pioneering role with the UH60A+ Black Hawk. Contour is approved for NVG operations and is working to develop a NVG wildfire program with B.C. and Alberta’s wildfire agencies. The helicopter operation also has base locations in Burns Lake, B.C. and Edmonton, Atla.
COULSON AVIATION Port Alberni, BC, coulsonaviation.com
For more than 60 years, Coulson Aviation has protected the world from forest fires. The company provides aerial support with a diverse fleet of day and night assets, and is the only aerial firefighting companies operating both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. Its approach includes designing, maintaining, and operating various aircraft, supported by comprehensive training programs.
Coulson Aviation is the first aviation company to receive Transport Canada Approved Training Organization (ATO) approval for aircraft structures training. Its program allows students to earn their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer – Structures (AME-S) license at no cost, with guaranteed full-time positions upon completion. As a leading supplier to governments worldwide, Coulson focuses on sustainable, in-production aircraft. Partnering with OEMs and utilizing the latest technology, the company delivers all-hazard response capabilities.
CUSTOM HELICOPTERS St. Andrews, MB, customheli.com
Founded 48 years ago, Custom Helicopters operates a versatile fleet of 45 helicopters, supporting a variety of industries, including powerline maintenance and construction, mining exploration, 24/7 medevac services, and fire suppression. The company’s fleet includes Airbus AS332L2s, which are utilized for fire suppression activities in both Canada and South America. Custom Helicopters is the launch customer for United Rotorcraft and Dart Aerospace’s Noval Super Puma Fire Attack System.
DELTA HELICOPTERS Sturgeon County, AB, deltahelicopters.com
Delta Helicopters, in addition to its Edmonton head office, operates from five other base locations. With over 45 years of experience working with the forestry industry across Canada, Delta provides comprehensive fire suppression support.
EAST WEST HELICOPTERS Salmon Arm, BC, eastwesthelicopters.com
Established in 1997 with a focus on logging operations, East West Helicopters holds extensive experience in longline operations and
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stumps - heat no one can see from the ground. RPAS infrared detection locates hidden heat
sources and puts a hotspot map in crews' hands before the next shift begins.
Contracted by government agencies. Level 1 Complex RPAS pilots under CARs Part IX.
Scan to book a hotspot detection consultation. www.candrone.com 1-888-461-5742
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ECLIPSE HELICOPTERS Penticton, BC, eclipseheli.com
With bases in Penticton and Cranbrook, B.C., Eclipse provides a range of services including aerial firefighting, as well as SAR and holds U.S.based operating experience.
EDMONTON REGIONAL HELICOPTERS Edmonton, AB, erhelicopters.com
As a privately held operator, Edmonton Regional is based at Edmonton International Airport (CYEG). The company provides forestry services throughout central Alberta, extending west to the Rocky Mountains.
FOREST HELICOPTERS Kenora, ON, foresthelicopters.com
Established in 1997 and focusing on AS350 helicopters, Forest Helicopters supports all aspects of fire suppression. Its pilots hold extensive experience beyond baseline requirements, including knowledge of fire behaviour, logistical support, and tactical applications like aerial ignition.
FOREST PROTECTION Lincoln, NB, fpltd.ca
Forest Protection Limited (FPL), established in 1952, delivers specialized aviation services for wildfire suppression and forest management across Atlantic Canada. FPL delivers rapid aerial firefighting with a modern fleet built to reach fires fast, deliver water, foam or retardant
to help protect what matters most. With portable reload bases, mobile maintenance units and pre-positioning capabilities, FPL can establish operational readiness quickly and independently. FPL has built a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and reliability, delivering specialized aviation services that protect communities, natural resources and critical infrastructure. Today, that legacy continues through a modern fleet and highly skilled professionals protecting what matters most. In May 13, the Government of Nova Scotia announced a partnership with Forest Protection of New Brunswick in the acquisition of four fixed-wing water bombers and a co-ordination plane to provide more protection for Nova Scotians. The contract for four Air Tractor AT-802 water bombers and one Cessna Caravan Bird Dog was scheduled to run until September 30 but can be extended as needed as the wildfire risk season in Nova Scotia runs from March 15 to October 15. The home base for the planes is the Debert air tanker base in Colchester County. The Air Tractor AT-802 fixed-wing water bomber is described by the province as an agile aircraft that is a good fit for Nova Scotia’s terrain.
FRONTLINE HELICOPTERS Williams Lake, BC, frontlinehelicopters.ca
Frontline Helicopters, situated just south of Williams Lake, is a key provider of wildfire suppression and associated services, including air taxi, infrared scanning, mapping, wildlife capture, and surveying.
GREAT SLAVE HELICOPTERS Yellowknife, NWT, gsheli.com
Great Slave Helicopters operates a diverse fleet of over 30 single- and twin-engine helicopters, with over 20 per cent being aboriginally owned through partnerships with various operators. Operating across
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aerial firefighting. The company specializes in precision lift work and operates a self-contained service facility, including its own tanker for helicopter refueling.
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Northern Canada, this group manages approximately 15 bases, offering forestry services, including wildfire suppression.
GRIZZLY HELICOPTERS Campbell River, BC, grizzlyhelicopters.com
Established in 2008, Grizzly Helicopters employs ASTAR350 B2 helicopters from bases in Campbell River and Port McNeill. The company specializes in providing firefighting services in the region, along with applications like, medevac, powerline patrols, and wildlife management.
HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICES Ottawa, ON, htsc.ca
Founded in 1976, Helicopter Transport Services (HTSC) is now one of North America’s largest privately held helicopter operators. HTSC holds a fleet of more than 60 helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft, providing mining, forestry, wildfire support, utility, construction, national defence, and emergency medical services. HTSC’s permanent pilot staff averages more than 7,000 hours of helicopter flying experience. Its operations span across Canada, the United States and South America.
HIGH TERRAIN HELICOPTERS Nelson, BC, highterrainhelicopters.com
Serving the Kootenays since 1992, High Terrain operates Bell and Airbus helicopters out of Nelson, Nakusp, and Kaslo. The company’s capabilities include longline slinging, water bucketing, bird dogging, and crew transport, among others.
HORIZON HELICOPTERS Whitehorse, YT, horizonhelicopters.ca
Based at Whitehorse Airport with a satellite base in Dawson City,
Horizon Helicopters has provided wildfire support in Alberta, B.C., and the Yukon since its founding. Its fleet primarily comprises AS350 helicopters.
MAG AEROSPACE CANADA Dryden, ON, magaero.ca
MAG Aerospace Canada is a leading provider of specialized aviation services supporting wildfire management, airborne surveillance, charter operations, aircraft maintenance, flight training, and missioncritical aviation programs across Canada. Founded in 1950 as Hicks & Lawrence Ltd., and headquartered in Dryden, Ontario, the company brings more than 75 years of operational experience serving government, defence, public safety and commercial clients. With operating locations across Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan, MAG Canada supports customers and interagency requirements nationwide while remaining focused on its mission of helping make communities safer through specialized aviation solutions. MAG Canada is recognized for its expertise in aerial wildfire detection, air attack (bird dog) operations, airborne imagery and surveillance, and specialized aviation services that provide real-time situational awareness to government agencies and emergency response organizations. The company operates one of Canada's most experienced wildfire aviation programs, combining highly skilled flight crews, mission operators, maintenance professionals, and program managers to support critical public safety missions. Through advanced communications, proven operational processes, and mission-focused execution, MAG Canada delivers safe, reliable, and effective aviation solutions across some of Canada's most challenging operating environments. Recent contract awards have further strengthened MAG Canada’s position as a trusted aviation partner. The company was awarded the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF)
The world’s most trusted solutions for safe, efficient and compliant air and ground operations. velloxgroup.com
SMS Fleet Management Dispatch & Planning Operational Management Maintenance
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SEQUOIA HELICOPTERS Abbotsford, BC, sequoiahelicopters.com
MUSTANG HELICOPTERS Blackfalds, AB, mustanghelicopters.com
Sierra provides a range of services throughout Vancouver’s lower mainland and beyond, including fire suppression and other forestry missions like LiDAR imaging, logging, tree planting and wildlife surveying.
Established in 2001, Mustang holds a fleet of approximately 30 helicopters, including intermediates, mediums, and twin-engine Cat A & Class 1 capabilities. Mustang supports a range of wildfire suppression initiatives, including initial attack, crew transport, water bucketing, belly tanks, aerial ignition, and moving precious cargo such as seedlings or suppression equipment.
PANORAMA HELICOPTERS Alma, QC, helicopterespanorama.com
Founded in 2000, Panorama Helicopters specializes in a variety of aerial firefighting services. These include fire detection, logistics such as personnel and equipment transportation, water bucketing, IR imaging, and related services like medevac.
PHOENIX HELI-FLIGHT Fort McMurray, AB, phoenixheliflight.com
Phoenix Heli-Flight provides a range of light and intermediate helicopter aerial firefighting services. Its offerings encompass initial attack, sustained action, and heli-torching on fires of all sizes.
RANGE HELICOPTERS Drayton Valley, AB, rangeheli.ca
Range Helicopters specializes in fire suppression services. These include crew and camp moves, infrared scanning, water bucketing, GPS mapping, and drip torching.
RIDGE ROTORS Blue Ridge, AB, ridgerotors.com
Ridge Rotors primarily serves northern B.C. and Alberta's forestry sectors. Its services encompass timber cruising, VRI surveys, pest extermination, fire suppression, emergency evacuation, and SAR. Ridge Rotors holds additional bases in Whitecourt, Alta., and Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, B.C.
SELKIRK MOUNTAIN HELICOPTERS Revelstoke, BC, smheli.com
Founded in 1991, Selkirk provides services to heli-skiing operations, SAR support, avalanche snow safety, and firefighting. The company holds expertise in areas like drip torch and Class D certification. WINGSMAGAZINE.COM
Founded in 2004, Sequoia collaborates with provincial agencies across Canada for wildfire suppression. It utilizes Bambi Buckets with foam kits and possesses extensive longline experience. Sequoia holds Alberta bases in Slave Lake, Lac La Biche, and Whitecourt.
SIERRA HELICOPTERS Pitt Meadows, BC, sierrahelicopters.com
SILVER KING HELICOPTERS Smithers, BC, silverkingheli.com
Silver King Helicopters offers a range of services to the forestry and mining sectors. Its expertise includes fire suppression through collaboration with initial attack crews and water bucketing.
SKY HELICOPTERS Pitt Meadows, BC, skyhelicopters.ca
Established in 2011, SKY Helicopters holds relationships with provincial agencies to assist in wildfire management and forestry work. Its offerings include year-round wildfire suppression and thermal imaging services for detecting hot spots.
organizations across Canada. Headquartered in Kamloops, with operations throughout Canada, the company supports wildfire agencies under both long-term and call-whenneeded contracts. Summit specializes in aerial wildfire suppression, providing water bucketing, initial attack, crew transport, equipment deployment, reconnaissance, and logistical support. With decades of experience, Summit has supported wildfire programs in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, contributing thousands of operational flight hours. Operating a versatile fleet of utility-configured helicopters, including the Bell 407, Bell 412, EC135, and AS350B3, Summit is equipped to support demanding firefighting missions in remote and challenging environments. Its experienced pilots and maintenance personnel bring specialized expertise in mountain flying, external load operations, confined-area work, hover exits, Class D and low-visibility conditions. Supported by advanced flight operations technology and a robust Safety Management System, Summit Helicopters remains a trusted partner in protecting communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfire threats..
TAIGA AIR SERVICES Winnipeg, MB, taigaheli.com
Founded in 1996, Skyline Helicopters, which also has a base in Terrace, B.C. Skyline specializes in longline mountain operations and holds a strong operational focus on oil and gas, forestry, and heli-skiing.
Founded in 1992, Taiga specializes in providing thermal scanning for fire suppression, environmental and biometric analysis, powerline and pipeline integrity, and infrastructure management and maintenance. Its services include detecting and mapping hot spots, hotlines, and risk areas for resource deployment crewed by experienced and accredited technicians.
SLAVE LAKE HELICOPTERS Slave Lake, AB, slheli.com
TRANSWEST HELICOPTERS Oliver, BC, transwesthelicopters.com
SKYLINE HELICOPTERS Kelowna, BC, skylinehelicopters.ca
With roots dating back to 1998, Slave Lake Helicopters specializes in providing services to the forestry sector. This includes fire suppression and related services like LiDAR imaging and crew transport.
STAR HELICOPTERS Cold Lake, AB, starhelicopters.com
Star Helicopters has been involved with the forestry industry since 1982, carrying out operations including crew transportation, longline bucketing and drip-torch services.
SUMMIT HELICOPTERS Kamloops, BC, summithelicopters.ca
As part of the Summit Aviation Group and the Ledcor Group of Companies, Summit Helicopters combines operational expertise with an industry-leading safety culture providing aerial firefighting services to government agencies and emergency management
Established in 1965, Transwest in early 2025 was acquired by Australia’s McDermott Aviation. The company primarily operates within Western Canada. In addition to specializing in wildfire suppression and utility missions, Transwest provides MRO, part sales and support, with an emphasis on Bell medium and legacy helicopters.
VALHALLA HELICOPTERS Kelowna, BC, valhallahelicopters.com
Valhalla Helicopters holds over 20 years of experience supporting ground forces in fire suppression. The company utilizes SEI water buckets that are Aqualaunch/Powerfill foam equipped.
VALLEY HELICOPTERS Hope, BC, valleyhelicopters.ca
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Birddog & Detection Contract, reinforcing its leadership role in Ontario's wildfire aviation sector. MAG Canada was also awarded the Saskatchewan Detection Contract, expanding its operational footprint and wildfire detection capabilities in Western Canada. These programs build on decades of experience supporting wildfire agencies through detection, air attack coordination, mission management, and aviation support services.
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING DIRECTORY 2027
providing firefighting services for over 35 years. Its pilots are trained in fire suppression techniques, including water bucketing, aerial ignition, and crew transport.
VIH AVIATION GROUP North Saanich, BC, vih.com
Keeping Your Fleet
VIH Helicopters is the air operation within one of Canada’s most diversified aviation companies, VIH Aviation, which has been providing services since 1955. VIH operates a large fleet of Sikorsky and Bell helicopter types, providing a range of missions like wildfire suppression with optional gel capability, passenger transportation, initial attack, and precision heavy-lift operations. VIH also provides SAR, offshore and onshore aerial construction, executive charter, forestry, air ambulance, exploration and tourism services.
Mission-Ready Supporting the aircraft that protect our communities. • Engineering • Maintenance • Modifications • Logistics • Component Repair
WILDCAT HELICOPTERS Kelowna, BC, wildcathelicopters.com
Wildcat Helicopters maintains a fleet of Bell 412 and 212 mission-modified aircraft. It specializes in a range of emergency services, including fire suppression, extended search and rescue, and medical missions.
Let’s talk fleet readiness.
sales@kfaero.ca
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WHITE SADDLE AIR SERVICES Bluff Lake, BC, whitesaddleair.com
As a family-operated company with over 48 years of experience, White Saddle Air Services focuses on fire suppression. They underlined this commitment by acquiring Canada’s first commercial Bell 407 GXi in 2019 and have since acquired a second Bell GXi.
YELLOWHEAD HELICOPTERS Prince George, BC, yhl.ca
Yellowhead Helicopters holds a fleet of more than 40 helicopters. It offers a range of fire suppression and forest restoration services. With 12 bases located in B.C. and Alberta, Yellowhead holds a fleet of AS350 B2s and B3s, Bell 212s and Bell 206s and BK117s (the five most recently added models). Its helicopters are equipped with firefighting capabilities such as water buckets and longline equipment. It offers a range of environmental restoration services including aerial seeding and fertilizing, tree planting, cone harvesting, drip torching, infrared scanning, GPS mapping, telemetry, crew and camp moves, heli-logging. With its recent addition of five twin-engine helicopters, Yellowhead provides Class D fixed-line insertion and extraction.
ZIMMER AIR SERVICES Bluff Lake, BC, whitesaddleair.com
Established in 1975, Zimmer Air has focused on serving the forestry sector since inception. It provides various services in Ontario and beyond, including drip torch and slash pile burning. | W 46 WINGS | Fall 2026 WG_Mag Aerospace_Fall26_CSA.indd 1
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VIH
HELICOPTERS
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B U I LT I N C A N A D A .
PROVEN EVERYWHERE. READY TO SERVE. For decades, these Hercules aircraft have served Canada with strength, speed, and reliability. Today, we’re investing in their future, bringing new capability, new purpose, and new opportunities to keep protecting what matters most.
S T R O N G E R T O D A Y. R E A D Y F O R W H A T ’ S N E X T.
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