McDermott Aviation deploys aircraft to support Australian firefighting efforts
Two helicopters have been mobilized in Queensland to help tackle multiple blazes
McDermott Aviation deployed two helicopters over the weekend to assist firefighting operations in South East Queensland, where hot, dry conditions and strong winds have fueled multiple blazes across the region.
Based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, McDermott Aviation operates a fleet of over 50 helicopters and delivers aerial firefighting and disaster response support in partnership with government and emergency agencies across Australia, Europe, and North America.
John McDermott, Founder and President of McDermott Aviation, said wildfire seasons are shifting globally. “We are increasingly seeing the start and finish of fire seasons blurring – in both Europe and Australia,” stated McDermott. “In Greece, fires are starting earlier and burning longer, and we’re seeing the same trend here at home. That means our teams have to be on the ready year-round, with our helicopters and crews mobilized at a moment’s notice.”
McDermott Aviation currently has 15 helicopters deployed in Greece, supporting firefighting efforts. Several of these aircraft are scheduled to return to Australia as the European fire season winds down, reinforcing domestic firefighting capacity as conditions worsen in Australia.
Recently, McDermott Aviation announced plans to introduce three Transall C-160 fixed-wing aircraft to strengthen Australia’s firefighting capabilities in remote and challenging terrain.