Coulson adds 737-700 to aerial firefighting fleet

Coulson Aviation has announced the arrival of the company’s first Boeing 737-700 aircraft to be converted to the world’s highest capacity Large Air Tanker (LAT). The first of up to ten aircraft, Coulson continues its relationship with Southwest Airlines, who has supplied the company with its entire 737 fleet to date.

Britt Coulson, President, and COO of Coulson Aviation, commented: “Our new 737-700 Next Gen FIRELINER program will build on our existing 737-300 platform which has been extremely successful for us.

“The FIRELINER platform has been the go-to Large Air Tanker for foreign governments to purchase due to its unique multi-role capability allowing it to transport passengers when not deployed on active firefighting missions as well as supports a streamlined process in finding both flight and maintenance crew and aircraft parts.”

The Next Gen FIRELINER will offer increased support to LATs worldwide with its increased 5,000 USG or 19,000 liter payload, reduced fuel burn, increased range, and higher speed. With up to double the volume of competing LATs, the aircraft can arrive at the fire earlier and will increase the success of initial attack missions, keeping fires smaller.

Coulson Aviation recently became the first aviation company approved to provide training in aircraft structures at one of 20 Approved Training Organisation’s (ATOs) across Canada.