A major aviation services contract valued at $699 million is to provide pilots, mechanics and aviation logistics to support one of the largest aerial firefighting operations in the US.
Denton-headquartered defence contractor M1 Support Services (M1) has been awarded the $699 million contract, which runs over a five-year period starting January 2026, by the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1 Support Services, said: “We are honored to have CAL FIRE place their trust in M1 to support this critical, no-fail mission. M1 stands for ‘Mission First,’ highlighting our unwavering commitment to our customers and those they serve.
“We look forward to supporting CAL FIRE in protecting the people, property, and resources of the state of California.”
M1’s aviation services fleet
CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program responds to thousands of wildfires across California each year and operates the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world, with more than 80 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
The fleet includes Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules airtankers, Grumman S-2T airtankers, Bell UH-1H Super Huey helicopters, Sikorsky S-70i helicopters and Rockwell OV-10A/D Bronco air tactical aircraft.
These aircraft, along with pilots and aviation support staff, are strategically deployed across the state at air tanker, air attack and helitack bases.
According to CAL FIRE, the aircraft can reach the most remote State Responsibility Area fires in approximately 20 minutes, with the goal of containing 95% of fires to 10 acres or less.
