As wildfires continue to ravage Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production and for the government to place bulk orders for the planes.
De Havilland, based in Calgary, has taken the unusual step of restarting production of the Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program from Bombardier in 2015. The iconic aircraft are meticulously crafted by hand, with most assembly work done in Calgary using parts from across the country. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Canadian premiers and European leaders are eagerly awaiting these aircraft due to current shortages and aging fleets. Originally designed in the 1960s for combating wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane is known for its ability to navigate narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly scoop up large volumes of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
In response to criticism from opposition politicians in France and Spain about the insufficient number of operational Canadairs, De Havilland is feeling the political pressure. The company is contemplating the construction of a second production line to meet the soaring demand for these firefighting planes.
De Havilland, which also manufactures various other aircraft and employs around 4,000 individuals mainly in Calgary, Ontario, and Victoria, currently has orders for 38 water bombers with delivery timelines between 2032 and 2033. The company is evaluating the possibility of enhancing production by setting up a second line, which would double the annual output to 20 aircraft.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for additional production lines for Canadair water bombers to meet the global demand arising from worsening wildfires. Failure to address this demand may lead to foreign companies developing competing firefighting aircraft, posing a risk to Canadian manufacturing jobs. The Canadian government is urged to consider establishing a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to enhance wildfire response capabilities.
While aerial firefighting units like the Canadair play a crucial role in wildfire management by slowing down fire spread and supporting ground crews, they are not the sole solution. Effective firefighting also requires prevention and mitigation strategies. The federal government is committed to bolstering the national capacity to respond to escalating wildfire seasons and is collaborating with provincial and territorial counterparts to strengthen wildfire response measures.