Viking CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter launch customer named

Bridger Aerospace Group in US has been announced as the first multiple-aircraft launch customer for the Viking CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter conversion programme. Bridger Aerospace has signed a firm aircraft purchase agreement with Longview Aviation Asset Management of Canada for up to five Viking CL-415EAF aircraft, with the first two aircraft scheduled for delivery in early 2020 timed to support the 2020 aerial firefighting season in the United States, and the remaining three aircraft delivered in subsequent years.

Bridger's Founder & President Tim Sheehy stated: “We are pleased to be the launch customer for LAAM and Viking’s new Enhanced Aerial Firefighter aircraft program. Bridger has continually positioned itself on the forefront of next generation aerial firefighting techniques and this is yet another step in that direction. We look forward to receiving these aircraft to combat the ever-increasing wildfire danger in the United States, and we believe that the CL-415EAF aircraft is an ideal platform for that mission.”

Robert Mauracher, Chief Operating Officer for LAAM, commented: “We are very excited to be partnering with Bridger Aerospace as the first international launch customer for the CL-415EAF program. Bridger’s recognition of the benefits offered by an amphibious aircraft to protect the environment and local communities throughout the United States is a key indicator of the suitability of the CL-415EAF for the US firefighting market, and we look forward to working together in the development of these aircraft.”

The CL-215 aerial firefighter photographed here is one of eleven candidate aircraft specially selected for LAAM’s CL-415EAF Conversion Program.