Omni Taxi Aereo, the Brazil-based subsidiary of Omni Helicopters International (OHI), has just signed a contract with Ibama, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, marking a significant step forward in the fight against forest fires occurring in the Pantanal region. With an estimated duration of six months and due to start at the end of August, the partnership aims to tackle the growing problem of forest fires that threatens the environment every year.

The contract foresees the use of an Airbus H225, a large twin-engine helicopter with capacity for 19 people. Equipped with a Bambi Bucket, the aircraft can carry up to three tons of water, enabling a quick and efficient response to fire outbreaks.

“This contract with Ibama is the result of our ability to showcase our operational excellence and high safety standards, and emphasises the high operational capacity and versatility of this large aircraft to fight fires and support other activities carried out by Ibama. With over 23 years of experience in different missions in Brazil, we hope to contribute to the protection of our ecosystems by acting on swiftly and diligently against forest fires, while creating the basis for a long-term commercial relationship with Ibama,” says Décio Galvão, Omni Taxi Aereo's commercial director.

“Ibama is expanding its capacity in aerial operations to combat forest fires in the Pantanal and the Amazon. The large helicopter will provide a gain in efficiency, increasing the number of firefighters transported per trip from just four to 19, allowing for more time to be spent in the frontline. Its greater water transport capacity will also be an important improvement, increasing each release fivefold, which is a significant advantage in degraded forest areas where small releases or planes are currently ineffective. The concentrated release of water in these locations will be of great help to the ground teams, and this is only possible with helicopters of this size," explains Jair Schmitt, Ibama director of environmental protection.

The operation will feature a specialised team made up of a pilot, copilot, mechanics and cargo masters, who will work together with Ibama's firefighters. Although the presentation of the aircraft will take place in Brasília, the operation will extend throughout Brazil's midwest, operating as needed.

The expansion into onshore missions to support initiatives that have a positive impact on sustainability is part of OHI's strategy as it positions itself as the leading air mobility solutions provider in Latin America.