Conair Dash 8-400AT airtanker to support firefighters in France

A Dash 8-400AT airtanker has left Canada for Europe to support firefighting efforts in France.

The Conair airtanker will support Sécurité Civile on an operational contract for the summer, assisting firefighters in the country.

Negotiations began in January 2023, as France prepared its operations after a devastating fire season in 2022 when more than 65,000 hectares burned.

“France has been exemplary in their proactive response to the consequences of last year’s wildfires that ravaged parts of the country,” said Matt Bradley, President and CEO of Conair Group Inc. “France anticipated similar wildfire challenges in future years and acted quickly, enhancing their fleet and strengthening their air resources. This spring, France accepted the eighth multi-role Dash 8-400MRE airtanker into their own fleet, built by Conair, plus contracted a Dash 8-400AT airtanker from Conair’s fleet, reinforcing their capability. We are proud to support France, continuing to grow our 40-year partnership.”

The Dash 8-400AT airtanker is currently being manufactured in Abbotsford, British Columbia, by Conair. The airtanker fleets are contracted for operations in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington and Australia, in addition to France. Over 16 Dash 8-400AT airtankers are operating around the world, with five delivered in the last year. Three more are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.

“As soon as an airtanker is completed, it goes into operation for a wildfire management agency around the world. We are currently filling manufacturing slots into 2024,” said Jeff Berry, Vice President of Business Development at Conair. “Demand is growing globally. Every country is experiencing the same challenge: more frequent catastrophic wildfire seasons combined with strained air resources.”