The company has outlined its programme to supply refurbished and factory-new aircraft after securing ownership of the platform’s type certificate.

The return of the helicopters came as authorities across several states prepared for heightened bushfire activity, with early forecasts indicating dry conditions and above-average temperatures in many regions.

Last year, McDermott Aviation was among the fleet that helped fight the raging fires that tore through Athens, forcing thousands of locals to evacuate. It also actively fought fires near Marathonas Lake and Penteli.