Helis, May 11, 2026 - ATHENS, Greece — McDermott Aviation has begun deploying one of its largest international aerial firefighting contingents to Greece ahead of the country’s 2026 wildfire season, reinforcing a long-standing partnership with Greek emergency authorities as increasingly severe summer fire conditions continue to impact the Mediterranean region.
The Australian operator will mobilize a fleet of 15 heavy-lift helicopters for operations extending through October 31, 2026. The deployment includes 11 Bell 214ST “Super Transporter” helicopters and four Bell 214B “Big Lifter” Helitak aircraft sourced from Australia and the United States. During the height of the season, up to 14 aircraft are expected to be simultaneously under contract across Greece.
The 2026 deployment marks the company’s seventh consecutive fire season supporting Greek firefighting operations. Since first entering the country with only two helicopters and a small support team, McDermott Aviation has steadily expanded its operational footprint in response to growing demand for rapid-response aerial firefighting assets capable of operating in mountainous terrain, island regions, and remote wildfire zones.
Aircraft will be positioned across 11 operating bases strategically distributed throughout mainland Greece and key island territories. The network stretches from Araxos and Ioannina in western and northern Greece to Alexandroupolis in the northeast, while southern operations will cover Crete and Rhodes, providing nationwide coverage during periods of elevated fire risk.
In addition to water bombing missions, the fleet will support troop transport for ground firefighting crews and retain the flexibility to assist with emergency evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, and wider disaster response missions when required. Approximately 100 aviation specialists, engineers, pilots, and support personnel will rotate through Greece during the season, supported by operational teams in Australia and in coordination with local Greek service providers.
The Bell 214 platform has become a central component of McDermott Aviation’s international firefighting operations due to its heavy payload capability, endurance, and ability to operate in demanding high-temperature environments. The company has invested extensively in the continued modernization and sustainment of the type, which remains one of the largest civilian-operated Bell 214 fleets in the world.
Over the last three Greek fire seasons, McDermott Aviation helicopters have collectively logged between 2,500 and 4,500 annual flight hours combating wildfires. During the particularly severe 2023 fire season, officials from the Hellenic Fire Brigade credited increased aircraft utilization rates and faster aerial response times with helping reduce the total area affected by major fires.
John McDermott, Founder and President said the latest deployment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to supporting large-scale international wildfire suppression operations. “Our continued deployment to Greece reflects a long-term commitment to supporting large-scale fire operations internationally,” McDermott said. “We have invested heavily in both our fleet and our capability, including ownership and ongoing development of the Bell 214 platform, which allows us to deliver a level of reliability and performance that is critical in these environments.”
The Australian operator will mobilize a fleet of 15 heavy-lift helicopters for operations extending through October 31, 2026. The deployment includes 11 Bell 214ST “Super Transporter” helicopters and four Bell 214B “Big Lifter” Helitak aircraft sourced from Australia and the United States. During the height of the season, up to 14 aircraft are expected to be simultaneously under contract across Greece.
The 2026 deployment marks the company’s seventh consecutive fire season supporting Greek firefighting operations. Since first entering the country with only two helicopters and a small support team, McDermott Aviation has steadily expanded its operational footprint in response to growing demand for rapid-response aerial firefighting assets capable of operating in mountainous terrain, island regions, and remote wildfire zones.
Aircraft will be positioned across 11 operating bases strategically distributed throughout mainland Greece and key island territories. The network stretches from Araxos and Ioannina in western and northern Greece to Alexandroupolis in the northeast, while southern operations will cover Crete and Rhodes, providing nationwide coverage during periods of elevated fire risk.
In addition to water bombing missions, the fleet will support troop transport for ground firefighting crews and retain the flexibility to assist with emergency evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, and wider disaster response missions when required. Approximately 100 aviation specialists, engineers, pilots, and support personnel will rotate through Greece during the season, supported by operational teams in Australia and in coordination with local Greek service providers.
The Bell 214 platform has become a central component of McDermott Aviation’s international firefighting operations due to its heavy payload capability, endurance, and ability to operate in demanding high-temperature environments. The company has invested extensively in the continued modernization and sustainment of the type, which remains one of the largest civilian-operated Bell 214 fleets in the world.
Over the last three Greek fire seasons, McDermott Aviation helicopters have collectively logged between 2,500 and 4,500 annual flight hours combating wildfires. During the particularly severe 2023 fire season, officials from the Hellenic Fire Brigade credited increased aircraft utilization rates and faster aerial response times with helping reduce the total area affected by major fires.
John McDermott, Founder and President said the latest deployment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to supporting large-scale international wildfire suppression operations. “Our continued deployment to Greece reflects a long-term commitment to supporting large-scale fire operations internationally,” McDermott said. “We have invested heavily in both our fleet and our capability, including ownership and ongoing development of the Bell 214 platform, which allows us to deliver a level of reliability and performance that is critical in these environments.”
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Bell 214 in
McDermott Aviation 
Greece 
Helicopters Firefighting McDermott Bell 214s Return from Greece After Firefighting Season
