Conair Group Celebrates 20th Dash 8 Conversion, Boosting Aerial Firefighting Efforts

Abbotsford's Conair Group Inc. has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the conversion of its 20th Dash 8-400 aircraft into a specialized firefighting plane, marking a pivotal moment in the company's commitment to enhancing aerial firefighting capabilities. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as 15 of these aircraft have been converted in just the last four years, underscoring the rapidly growing demand for effective wildfire response solutions. Conair has reported a consistent and robust interest in the Dash 8-400AT and the multi-role variant, Dash 8-400MRE, with all available units either being purchased or contracted for long-term use by various government agencies as soon as the aircraft are completed. This trend reflects an increasing need for advanced firefighting resources in the face of escalating wildfire threats. Michael Benson, Conair's director of business development, emphasized the company’s longstanding dedication to building airtankers, stating, “We have been building the airtanker for nearly 20 years. We began production in 2005, delivering the first multi-role airtanker to the French government. Since then, we have steadily built and deployed these modern airtankers, ensuring that emergency aircraft are ready to respond when needed.” The urgency for such aircraft has surged in recent years, driven by the alarming rise in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. France, for instance, operates eight Dash 8-400MRE—recognized as the world’s first multi-role large airtanker—which has proven invaluable not just for firefighting, but also for transporting passengers, cargo, and critically ill patients during crises. In a recent order, Saskatchewan has committed to acquiring two Dash 8-400MREs and two Dash 8-400ATs, with the first of these expected to be delivered in time for the 2025 fire season. Other regions, including Australia, Alaska, Washington, British Columbia, and Alberta, have similarly expanded their firefighting capabilities by adding Dash 8-400AT aircraft to their fleets. Bertrand Lamaison, Conair's director of engineering and customer support, highlighted the company's ambitious plans moving forward. “In 2025 we plan to deliver three additional Dash 8 airtankers for the fire season,” he noted. “It takes a long time to engineer, build, certify, and deliver a new airtanker type. However, we have streamlined our processes to maximize production efficiency, ensuring these aircraft can offer decades of operational capability along with advanced technologies that enhance safety and effectiveness.” Conair’s focus on innovation and efficiency is bolstered by its status as the owner of the largest fixed-wing aerial firefighting fleet in the world. This fleet includes a variety of aircraft types, such as CL415 water scoopers, Fire Boss water scoopers, and RJ85 airtankers, enhancing its ability to respond to widespread and severe wildfires. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and increasing wildfire risks, Conair’s advancements in aerial firefighting technology position it as a key player in protecting communities and ecosystems alike. For further details about Conair’s operations and aircraft, interested parties can visit their website at conair.ca.