Thrush to supply three firefighting planes to Guatemala
The first aircraft is due for delivery this month, and will be used to support the Central American country’s emergency response capabilities
Thrush Aircraft has been awarded a contract to provide three firefighting aircraft to support the establishment of fixed-wing firefighting capabilities within the Guatemalan Air Force.
Thrush will also provide additional services to ensure the operation of the aircraft, including training, equipment, and operational support.
Both the aircraft and the support services are being purchased by the Guatemalan government through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, with the first plane due to be delivered this month (June 2026).
The acquisitions are intended to enhance Guatemala’s overall emergency response and operational readiness.
“This contract represents far more than just the acquisition of new aircraft,” said Kevin Pierce, Vice President of Sales Support and Services for Thrush Aircraft. “The program develops full operational capability that will help protect lives, communities, forests, and infrastructure throughout Guatemala for years to come. We are honored to support the Guatemalan Air Force in building a sustainable and effective firefighting program.”
Thrush was recently acquired by fellow aerospace firm Air Tractor Holdings.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.