Amidst a challenging wildfire season in Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. Calgary-based De Havilland is responding by resurrecting production of the Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program. Previously, Bombardier was responsible for building these planes until 2015.
These renowned aircraft are meticulously handmade in Calgary, with the majority of assembly taking place there, sourced from a network of suppliers across the country. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft currently in production and expected to be finished and delivered by early 2028.
Leaders in Canada and Europe are eager to secure these aircraft due to existing shortages and aging fleets. Initially introduced in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane was specifically designed for combating large fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its exceptional design enables it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly collect thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
As political figures in France, Spain, and Canada express concerns over inadequate operational Canadairs affecting their preparedness for wildfires, the pressure on De Havilland is mounting. The company’s vice-president of corporate affairs, Neil Sweeney, acknowledges the significance of these aircraft globally and the responsibility to meet the demand.
With the current high demand, De Havilland is contemplating the possibility of establishing a second production line to meet the requirements. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for a substantial order by Ottawa to provide the necessary certainty for De Havilland to proceed with this expansion.
De Havilland has existing orders for 38 water bombers, with a delivery timeframe between 2032 and 2033 due to the intricate production process involving tens of thousands of parts, the majority of which are sourced domestically. There is a growing consensus among experts that the demand for Canadairs necessitates additional production lines to meet global needs effectively.
If De Havilland fails to address the escalating demand, foreign competitors may seize the opportunity to develop rival firefighting aircraft, potentially endangering Canadian manufacturing jobs. To safeguard the country’s economic interests and bolster domestic manufacturing, it is imperative that Canada maintains its position as a leader in producing specialized firefighting aircraft.
A recent Senate report highlighted the urgent need for a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft in response to the escalating wildfire crisis in Canada. While the federal government has leased aircraft to support wildfire crews, there is an ongoing challenge in meeting the high demand for these critical firefighting resources. The commitment to enhancing national wildfire response capabilities remains a top priority for federal authorities, emphasizing collaboration with provincial and territorial partners to effectively combat wildfires and protect communities.
