Aerial firefighting conversion programme launched in Canada
Longview Aviation Asset Management (LAAM), based in Calgary, Canada, has announced that it is cooperating with Viking Air Limited, Victoria, Canada, to launch its Viking CL-415EAF ‘Enhanced Aerial Firefighter’ conversion programme.
Longview Aviation Asset Management (LAAM), based in Calgary, Canada, has announced that it is cooperating with Viking Air Limited, Victoria, Canada, to launch its Viking CL-415EAF ‘Enhanced Aerial Firefighter’ conversion programme.
The programme will utilise advancements that have been made on LAAM converted aircraft and use these as the basis for new Viking CL-515 amphibious aerial firefighting aircraft. Both companies have been working with local post-secondary institutions to develop new technologies for their aircraft and to provide training assistance in support of this programme. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology has been engaged for personnel training in Alberta, and Viking says it is developing partnerships with companies participating in the British Columbia Technology Super Cluster initiative.
The programme will also create jobs in the local area, with LAAM stating that it will be looking to take on up to 150 technical and support staff members at its Calgary facilities. Eleven CL-215 aircraft will undergo the modification process using Viking conversion kits at these sites. Viking is also looking to hire an additional 50 members of staff at its Victoria base, as well as reinstating its ‘Viking Academy’ paid-training programme.