LISBOA, Portugal – June 16th, 2025: Avincis, Europe’s leading provider of emergency aerial services, has been awarded a Portuguese government contract to continue operating three Canadair CL-215 aircraft, two primary and one backup. These aeroplanes are integrated into the national firefighting response system (DECIR) and mobilised whenever necessary. The contract is valid for the next three years, ending in 2027.

Avincis is the largest private operator of Canadairs globally, operating 18 CL-415 and five CL-215, and has been flying this model in Portugal for more than 20 years. Over the past three years, the Avincis firefighting fleet has flown nearly 900 hours on missions across the country.

The three Canadair CL-215 aircraft are operated on behalf of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), strengthening the aerial firefighting capabilities at the service of the Portuguese state to fight rural fires. The aeroplanes are based at the Castelo Branco airfield until October 15.

The amphibious Canadair aircraft is a tool that truly makes a difference in fighting wildfires: in addition to its large payload capacity (around 6,000 litres of water), versatility, and manoeuvrability, it can drop water or fire retardants and can either take-off fully loaded or refill in lakes or rivers without stopping – making it highly efficient.

Avincis also provides the Portuguese Civil Protection with a Helicopter for Reconnaissance, Assessment, and Coordination, based at the Ponte de Sor airfield. This aircraft, an Airbus AS350 helicopter, will also be part of the firefighting response system until the end of the 2027 fire season.

John Boag, Group CEO Avincis, said: “We are extremely pleased to continue operating the Canadairs in Portugal, especially with a three-year contract. This ensures that Portugal – the country where we chose to establish our global corporate headquarters – will continue to have access to this essential amphibious aircraft, which is now scarcely available on the market, for wildfire suppression.

“Avincis’ Canadairs, our crews, pilots and technicians, have been supporting Portuguese firefighters for more than 20 years with excellent results, as the 2024 fire season demonstrates, this is something we are very proud of.”

In January, Avincis also won the contract for the largest aerial firefighting operation in Europe, in Italy, renewing the agreement to operate 18 Canadair CL-415 aircraft for the Italian National Firefighters Corps for the next seven years.

Avincis’ global firefighting fleet includes more than 70 aircraft, including light, medium, and heavy helicopters, and Canadair aeroplanes, operating in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Chile.