Kitz-Air acquires three Airbus H225s for aerial firefighting

Austrian helicopter operator Kitz-Air has acquired three Airbus H225 helicopters from Milestone Aviation Group for deployment on aerial firefighting missions.

The aircraft were delivered to Kitz-Air in July and will now undergo modification and conversion work in Europe before entering operational service. Global Helicopter Services (GHS) has been selected to carry out the conversions.

Kitz-Air plans to deploy the H225s on firefighting operations across Europe and South America, adding heavy-helicopter capacity as operators and governments respond to increasingly demanding wildfire seasons.

The acquisition represents Kitz-Air’s first transaction with Milestone and forms part of the Austrian operator's plans to expand its heavy helicopter fleet. Kitz-Air specializes in aerial firefighting, heavy-lift operations, passenger and cargo transport, and other special missions.

The twin-engine H225 is designed for heavy-lift and long-range operations and has been adapted for a range of special missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and offshore operations.

Christoph Klein, CEO of Kitz-Air, said the acquisition was part of the company’s longer-term plans to increase its firefighting capacity.

“Once converted, these aircraft will allow us to support customers and communities across Europe and worldwide when they need us most,” he said.

Sébastien Moulin, Chief Commercial Officer at Milestone, noted that demand for aerial firefighting services continues to grow globally, adding that the H225’s capabilities make it suitable for demanding utility operations.

The additional aircraft come amid continued pressure on aerial firefighting resources during the 2026 wildfire season. Crews across southern Europe have faced major outbreaks this summer, with firefighting aircraft and helicopters deployed extensively in countries including Spain, France, and Greece.