Aerial fire fighting company Coulson Aviation USA, a member of the Coulson Group, and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW) have secured a deal in which NSW will purchase two Citation V lead/intelligence aircraft and one Boeing 737 Fireliner. The purchases are accompanied by a 10-year operational contract where Coulson will provide all flight and maintenance personnel.

The B737 Fireliner is the first large air tanker ever purchased by a country and its multi-role capability will be highlighted in this unique new operation. “When we started the B737 Fireliner programme we set out to create a new generation of airtanker,” says vice president of aviation Britton Coulson. “The goal was to utilise the latest smart technology in our tanking system and create a multi-use firefighting aircraft that would create the best value for our customers.”

In 2018 the B737 Fireliner was FAA certified as an air tanker and passenger transport. It packs 15,150 litres of fluid with unmatched performance in distance, speed and altitude while retaining the capability to transport up to 72 passengers.

“We are honoured to have our Boeing 737 Fireliner and Citation Vs chosen by the RFS to protect the beautiful state of New South Wales,” adds Coulson Group president and CEO Wayne Coulson. “Our C-130 Hercules fleet has supported RFS for several years along with our first B737 Fireliner during the 2018/2019 fire season. We see the NSW government leading the industry with new creative solutions in protecting life and property.”

Coulson has been operating under contract with the Australian National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) in Australia since 2000 and the 2018/2019 fire season marked the first year Coulson was the largest in country operator of Type 1 rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Vice president sales and marketing Foster Coulson adds: “With this contract now in place, Coulson Aviation will establish a year-round operation in NSW to support its contracts at the RAAF base in Richmond.”