As wildfires rage in Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on De Havilland, the manufacturer of Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers, to ramp up production. The Canadian company has resurrected the Canadair production line after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015.
The iconic Canadair aircraft, known for their firefighting prowess, are meticulously handcrafted in Calgary with components sourced nationwide. The newly revived production line, started in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two water bombers set for completion and delivery by early 2028.
With current shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to secure these aircraft. Originally designed in the 1960s for battling wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, Canadair planes are uniquely capable of skimming water from bodies of water swiftly.
Political figures in countries like France and Spain have faced criticism for inadequate operational Canadairs, affecting their ability to combat wildfires effectively. The high demand for these aircraft has prompted discussions about potentially expanding production to meet global needs.
De Havilland, employing around 4,000 individuals mainly in Calgary, Ontario, and Victoria, is contemplating establishing a second production line to cater to the soaring demand. The company already has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines extending to 2032-2033 due to the intricate manufacturing process involving thousands of parts, the majority sourced locally.
Some experts advocate for developing additional production lines to meet the escalating demand worldwide. Concerns loom over the prospect of foreign competitors entering the firefighting aircraft market if De Havilland fails to meet the growing requirements promptly.
Recognizing the critical role of aerial firefighting units, there have been calls for the federal government to create a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to aid in wildfire management. While aircraft play a crucial role in fire suppression efforts, they are just one component in the larger strategy of wildfire prevention and mitigation.
