Neptune Aviation Services has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319, marking a major step in the company’s next-generation airtanker program.
The company said it will become the first operator to use the A319 for wildland firefighting, expanding on its current fleet of BAe 146 aircraft. Neptune Aviation’s new A319 was delivered to Commercial Jet’s 400,000-square-foot maintenance facility in Dothan, Alabama, where the aircraft will be modified ahead of a planned 2028 entry into wildfire service.
“The acquisition of our first A319 is a pivotal moment for our organization and the wildland firefighting industry,” said Nic Lynn, vice president of operations at Neptune Aviation. “The upgrade of our airtanker fleet is fully underway. We have a physical aircraft available that we can convert for aerial firefighting. Our team can start performing test flights, and we can start zeroing in on completing the modifications that must be made to have the aircraft ready for 2028.”
Neptune Aviation selected the A319 after more than two years of evaluation, considering retardant and fuel capacity, aircraft availability, long-term serviceability and other factors. The converted A319 is expected to carry at least 4,500 gallons of retardant, compared with the BAe 146’s maximum capacity of 3,000 gallons.
The aircraft also carries more fuel, which Neptune Aviation said will reduce the need for frequent reloads and increase time over active fires. Its faster cruise speed is also expected to improve response times when retardant drops are needed quickly.
Neptune Aviation partnered with France-based engineering firm Aerotec & Concept, an Expleo company, at the start of the project. Aerotec & Concept designed the aircraft modifications, which will be carried out by Commercial Jet in Alabama.
“The arrival of our first A319 culminates years of planning within Neptune and collaboration with valued partners to ensure we remain at the forefront of aerial firefighting,” said Jennifer Draughon, president of Neptune Aviation. “As wildfire threats grow in size and complexity, we are investing in the next generation of airtankers to continue to deliver the capabilities expected by our agency partners and the communities we protect. This marks a significant milestone as we work toward adding the A319 to our fleet.”
As part of the A320 family, the A319 includes advanced avionics and a fly-by-wire flight control system. Neptune Aviation recently completed the aircraft’s Critical Design Review, with major design decisions finalized and engineers beginning work on manufacturing drawings. Test flights are expected in the coming weeks, while Commercial Jet is expected to complete modifications within 18 months, keeping the aircraft on track for the 2028 wildfire season.
