New wildfire suppression contracts confirmed by Avincis
Avincis has announced new aerial wildfire response contracts with Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha.
According to Avincis, the contracts will see expanded deployment of firefighting helicopters across multiple regions and form part of Spain’s national plan for wildfire prevention and emergency response.
The company currently operates 39 firefighting aircraft in Spain and employs over 300 people in its fire mission operations.
Contract details for MITECO and Castilla-La Mancha
Avincis stated that the MITECO contract includes the deployment of 10 helicopters between 2025 and 2027.
These will include nine medium-type Bell 412 aircraft for crew transport and water bombing, and one semi-heavy Super Puma helicopter.
The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha has also issued two contracts to Avincis for wildfire suppression activities over the coming fire seasons.
These contracts will support the use of four aircraft, including two Super Puma helicopters over three years and two Bell 412 helicopters over two years.
Continued operations in multiple Spanish regions
Avincis said these new agreements build on ongoing operations with the regional governments of Andalusia, Aragon, the Valencian Community, and Galicia.
The company’s Spanish operations are part of its wider European footprint in aerial emergency response services.
Rubén García Medina, Managing Director of Avincis for Spain and Portugal, said: “These new contracts are a testament to the dedication of our teams, and to the continued trust placed in us by MITECO and the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha.
“We operate the most advanced aerial fleet in Europe, and we are proud to put it at the service of Spain’s autonomous communities.”
Wider firefighting fleet and international presence
Avincis operates a global firefighting fleet of more than 70 aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing Canadair planes.
The company reported more than 8,500 hours of wildfire flight operations in 2024.
Earlier this year, Avincis was awarded a seven-year contract by the Italian government to operate the largest fleet of CL-415 Canadair aircraft worldwide.
According to Avincis, it operates 18 CL-415 and five CL-215 aircraft, making it the largest private Canadair operator.
Avincis awarded wildfire aerial support contracts in Spain: Summary
Avincis has confirmed new wildfire response contracts with MITECO and Castilla-La Mancha.
The contracts form part of Spain’s national wildfire prevention and emergency support plan.
Under the MITECO contract, Avincis will deploy 10 helicopters from 2025 to 2027.
This includes nine Bell 412 helicopters and one Super Puma.
Castilla-La Mancha’s contracts cover four helicopters for wildfire operations.
Avincis currently operates in Andalusia, Aragon, the Valencian Community, and Galicia.
The company has a fleet of 39 firefighting aircraft in Spain.
Avincis employs over 300 personnel in its Spanish fire response unit.
Its global firefighting fleet exceeds 70 aircraft.
In 2024, Avincis recorded more than 8,500 flight hours in wildfire suppression.
Earlier this year, it secured a contract in Italy to operate the world’s largest CL-415 fleet.