Conair Aviation has expanded its birddog fleet with the addition of two new TBM 960 aircraft, marking the first time the TBM has been deployed in wildfire air attack operations. The aircraft will support aerial firefighting efforts by monitoring fire activity, assessing risks and directing airtanker drops.

Conair selected the TBM 960 after evaluating 50 aircraft types, favouring the model's modern design standards, reliability and advanced technology.

Matt Bradley, president and CEO of Conair, says: “We are planning for our future by selecting the TBM 960 in the modernisation of our birddog fleet. Modernising with the TBM 960 ensures our birddog aircraft aren't grounded when needed the most due to a lack of spare parts, increased maintenance or obsolescence.”

The TBM 960s will be upgraded with mission-specific avionics for their role. Both aircraft will enter service in Canada for the 2025 fire season, with a Conair pilot and a government air attack officer coordinating aerial and ground operations.