Australia-based aerial firefighting operator Coulson Aviation Australia is excited to welcome Craig Martin to the role of chief operating officer (COO). Martin is the former executive manager of regulatory oversight at Australian federal aviation regulator Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and brings more than 30 years of experience in the aviation sector.

CEO Britt Coulson says: “It's a pleasure and an honour to have Craig as part of our team. He brings a deep knowledge and practical understanding of the new CASA flight operations regulations, which we believe will enable Coulson Aviation to expedite the building of a strong national aerial firefighting fleet in support of the Australian federal, state and territory governments.

“A key focus for Craig will be supporting the needs of NSW Rural Fire Service and ensuring the expansion of our organisation continues to meet the regulatory and safety outcomes required of operators authorised by CASA to develop national aerial firefighting capability. This will be a major turning point for sovereign aerial firefighting capability, and will provide a strong foundation on which to build an expanding fleet of Australian owned and operated rotary and fixed-wing aerial firefighting assets.”

Martin adds: “The commitment of Coulson Aviation to a long term strategy to build Australia's sovereign aerial firefighting capability was a great motivator for me in deciding to join the Coulson team. I am also excited by the prospect of providing jobs in general aviation for Australian pilots, maintenance personnel and ground teams as we look to develop capability to modify and enhance both civil and ex-military aircraft, which will be perfectly adapted to the firefighting mission.”

Coulson Aviation Australia has headquarters at Bankstown with operations at Richmond RAAF base and Essendon airfields.

As well as bringing in the contracted heavy seasonal aircraft, Coulson Aviation Australia provides all airside management for the NSW RFS-owned Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker, Citation jets and two Bell B412 helicopters.