Alberta has allocated $400 million to procure five new water bombers as part of its efforts to enhance its firefighting capabilities in the coming years. The agreement with De Havilland Aircraft, based in Calgary, will result in the delivery of the first amphibious plane by 2031.
The Canadair DHC-515 aircraft, known for its ability to swiftly collect water from bodies of water and fill its 6,100-liter tank in approximately 12 seconds, will be a valuable addition to the firefighting fleet. Forestry Minister Todd Loewen expressed that this investment will help in expanding the province’s aircraft fleet to replace aging planes gradually.
Premier Danielle Smith clarified that the $400 million funding is separate from the annual $160 million budget allocated by Alberta for wildfire response. Alberta has witnessed over 1,000 average annual wildfire starts in the past decade, ranking second in Canada after British Columbia.
Despite having 18 air tankers available for wildfire response last year, including four owned and contracted by Alberta, the province aims to proactively strengthen its fleet by acquiring new aircraft. The purchase is anticipated to generate around 1,000 job opportunities in addition to enhancing the existing fleet.
De Havilland Canada’s CEO, Brian Chafe, emphasized the significance of receiving such a substantial order and highlighted the province’s support for their business. The DHC-515, launched in March 2022, was initially designated for European clients, with Manitoba also expressing interest in acquiring three of these aircraft last year.
The company designed the DHC-515 to address the evolving operational challenges faced by aerial firefighters, particularly in the context of prolonged and more intense wildfire seasons driven by climate change.