Officials representing Los Angeles World Airports and related agencies announced the seasonal arrival of two Canadair CL-415 water‑bomber aircraft from Quebec at Van Nuys Airport, noting the aircraft support wildfire response across Los Angeles County.

AviationNews – Airbus Helicopters has released an operational assessment detailing how its H225 Super Puma fleet tackled severe wildfires across southern Europe, delivering high-volume aerial suppression over more than 640,000 burned hectares. The milestone review underscores the heavy twin-engine helicopter's expanding footprint in international aerial firefighting, serving as a rapid-response asset during intense seasonal blazes in France and Spain. The official assessment outlines deployments during a grueling summer wildfire period where over 295,000 hectares burned in Spain and 115,000 hectares burned in France.

Aviation News – Canada and the European Union are preparing to announce a joint procurement of 50 De Havilland water bombers to strengthen transatlantic aerial firefighting capabilities. The initiative aims to deploy the specialized amphibious aircraft across both regions starting in 2030 to combat worsening seasonal wildfire threats. According to a draft joint statement obtained by Politico Europe, the deal will be formally unveiled at the Canada-EU summit scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2026, in Montreal.

Aviation News – Game Aerospace’s GB2 firefighting aircraft completed its first flight in Bentonville, Arkansas, on September 23, 2026, marking the start of flight testing for a new single-engine airtanker designed to carry 1,200 gallons of water or retardant. The prototype was flown from Louise Thaden Field by Philipp Steinbach, Game Aerospace’s CEO, co-founder and test pilot. The company said the aircraft performed as expected during the maiden flight and completed the planned evaluations.

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AviationNews – Milestone Aviation Group has finalized the sale of three heavy-lift Airbus H225 helicopters to Austrian operator Kitz-Air GmbH to support specialized aerial firefighting and utility missions across Europe and South America. The transaction establishes an initial customer partnership between Dublin-based Milestone—an AerCap subsidiary—and Kitz-Air, which took delivery of the rotorcraft in July 2026. Under the agreement, European specialist Global Helicopter Services will perform the necessary structural modifications and cabin conversions to equip the aircraft for intensive wildland fire suppression.

AviationNews – Austrian operator Kitz-Air has purchased three Airbus H225 helicopters from leasing company Milestone Aviation to bolster its specialized aerial firefighting capabilities. The acquisition marks a significant expansion of Kitz-Air's heavy-lift fleet as global demand for robust firefighting support rises amid increasingly severe wildfire seasons. Delivered in July 2026, the three helicopters represent the first transaction between Kitz-Air and the AerCap company, Milestone Aviation.

Boeing 234 Chinook with registration N239CH at Columbia Gorge Regional Airport (KDLS / DLS) on BBN Aviation Photography

Honoring the Heroes of the Skies: Pilots Fighting California’s Wildfires 🚁🔥✈️ When wildfires rage across California, it’s not just boots on the ground… | 171 comments on LinkedIn

The helicopter can work in low-light conditions over affected areas

New helicopter fleet to support British troops in firefighting and jungle training roles overseas

SACRAMENTO — The California Forestry Association (Calforests) released the following statement regarding the addition of the C-130 Hercules to its aerial firefighting fleet, marking the end of the air...

Firefighting Helicopters S 64E and S 61A demonstrate precision water tank refills and powerful drops that support fast, effective wildfire suppression.

Robert MacLeod, a veteran pilot with over 25 years of experience in aerial firefighting, died in a plane crash while combating a wildfire in the Northwest Territories. The Turbo Commander 690 he was flying crashed near Fort Simpson on June 24, killing him and two firefighters. MacLeod was employed by Buffalo Airways as a bird dog captain, working with territorial and provincial agencies. He also served as a medevac captain and flight instructor, known for his calm demeanor under pressure and dedication to mentoring others. His career spanned roles in New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories, contributing significantly to wildfire suppression efforts across Canada. Colleagues described him as a dependable teammate and patient mentor, highlighting his expertise and leadership in high-stress environments. The incident underscores the dangers faced by aerial firefighters and the critical role of experienced pilots in combating wildfires. Authorities continue to investigate the crash, which occurred while providing tactical support for a water bomber operation.

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