Avincis Surpasses 9,200 Firefighting Flight Hours Across Southern Europe

Avincis has exceeded 9,200 firefighting flight hours and nearly 3,900 wildfire missions across Spain, Portugal and Italy during the 2026 wildfire season, deploying 70 aircraft and dropping almost 200 million litres of water as its aerial firefighting activity nearly doubled compared with the same period in 2025.

Europe’s largest aerial emergency services operator has completed more than 9,200 firefighting flight hours during one of the continent’s most demanding wildfire seasons in recent years. Operating 70 aircraft across Spain, Portugal and Italy, including Airbus AS332, AS350, AS355 and Bell 212, Bell 407 and Bell 412 helicopters.

Avincis has completed more than 9,230 firefighting flight hours and nearly 3,900 wildfire suppression missions across Spain, Portugal and Italy during the 2026 fire season, marking an increase of almost 90% compared with the same period last year.

During operations across Southern Europe, company crews dropped nearly 200 million litres of water, equivalent to almost 80 Olympic-sized swimming pools, highlighting the intensity of one of Europe’s most challenging wildfire seasons in recent years.

To support firefighting operations, Avincis deployed approximately 70 aircraft and 545 aviation professionals across the three countries. The fleet includes 22 Canadair water bombers as well as helicopters supporting national civil protection and emergency response agencies.

John Boag, Group CEO of Avincis, said: "Wildfire seasons are becoming longer, and the pressure is being felt across the industry. Aircraft that once operated for three or four months during the summer are now required from as early as March through to October. This makes it more difficult to move aircraft and crews between regions, recruit experienced pilots and plan for a season that no longer has a clearly defined end point.

"Meeting this demand is not only about aircraft—it is about people. Our focus is on training our crews throughout the year and ensuring close coordination between firefighters on the ground and pilots in the air. That teamwork is what makes the difference when a fire breaks out."

Spain and Portugal

Across the Iberian Peninsula, Avincis has accumulated 5,630 flight hours and completed 2,533 missions, dropping more than 120 million litres of water.

The operation currently employs 52 aircraft, including Canadair CL-215 water bombers together with Airbus AS332, AS350 and AS355 helicopters, plus Bell 212, Bell 407 and Bell 412 helicopters. The fleet is supported by 266 professionals responsible for flight operations, engineering, maintenance and technical support.

The combination of amphibious fixed-wing aircraft and multiple helicopter types allows the company to maintain high aircraft availability while accommodating crew rotations, scheduled inspections and maintenance throughout the fire season.

Italy

In Italy, Avincis has logged 3,600 flight hours and completed 1,360 missions, dropping 79.5 million litres of water.

The company operates 18 Canadair CL-415 aircraft on behalf of the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco, maintaining fleet operational readiness close to 100%. The CL-415 is designed specifically for aerial firefighting and is capable of scooping water directly from lakes or coastal waters before immediately returning to the fire line.

Across all three countries, Avincis coordinates pilots, engineers, maintenance technicians and operational personnel to provide continuous aerial firefighting support throughout increasingly longer wildfire seasons.

About Avincis: Avincis is Europe’s largest provider of emergency aerial services, operating approximately 210 aircraft from more than 190 bases across Europe, Africa and South America. Headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, the company provides helicopter emergency medical services, air ambulance, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, offshore transport and medevac services, supported by more than 2,500 aviation professionals.