Coulson Aviation has announced the arrival of its first Boeing 737-700 aircraft, which will be converted into the world’s highest capacity Large Air Tanker (LAT).
This aircraft is the first of up to ten that will join the Coulson fleet, continuing the company’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, which has supplied Coulson with its entire 737 fleet.
Britt Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation, commented on the new program: “Our new 737-700 Next Gen FIRELINER program will build on our existing 737-300 platform which has been extremely successful for us.
“The FIRELINER platform has been the go-to Large Air Tanker for foreign governments to purchase due to its unique multi-role capability allowing it to transport passengers when not deployed on active firefighting missions as well as supports a streamlined process in finding both flight and maintenance crew and aircraft parts.”
The Next Gen FIRELINER boasts significant improvements over previous models, featuring a 5,000 USG (19,000 Liter) payload capacity, reduced fuel consumption, extended range, and higher speed.
This allows the aircraft to carry up to double the volume of competing LATs, enabling quicker response times and enhancing the success rate of initial attack missions.
These enhancements aim to keep fires smaller and more manageable.
In 2023, global fires emitted over 2.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide, contributing to over 340,000 premature deaths due to air pollution.
Larger and more capable aircraft like the Next Gen FIRELINER are crucial in containing fires early, preventing them from escalating into mega fires that threaten lives and property.
Coulson Aviation’s introduction of the Boeing 737-700 to its fleet reflects the company’s dedication to environmental protection.
The enhanced capabilities of this aircraft are intended to minimize irreversible damage to the environment by effectively combating fires in their early stages.
This addition underlines Coulson’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology in their firefighting efforts.
The company’s ongoing collaboration with Southwest Airlines and the acquisition of these advanced aircraft demonstrate a significant step towards bolstering global firefighting resources and reducing the impact of wildfires on both the environment and public health.
As Coulson Aviation continues to expand its fleet with these advanced firefighting aircraft, the company’s efforts highlight the importance of innovative solutions in wildfire management.
The continued development and deployment of the Next Gen FIRELINER program will likely play a crucial role in enhancing firefighting capabilities worldwide, ultimately contributing to safer communities and a healthier environment.
