Neptune Aviation Services, based in Missoula, Montana, has announced its decision to transition its airtanker fleet to Airbus A319 aircraft for wildland firefighting operations.
The company has partnered with Aerotec & Concept, an aircraft modification firm, to convert the A319 into an aerial firefighting platform.
According to Neptune Aviation, the first converted aircraft is expected to be operational for the 2027 wildfire season.
The A319 will replace the BAe 146 currently in use.
The upgraded fleet will offer a larger fire retardant capacity, higher maximum takeoff weight, and increased fuel range, addressing evolving operational needs.
Neptune Aviation highlights the A319’s ability to carry a minimum of 4,500 gallons of fire retardant, a substantial increase compared to the 3,000 gallons handled by the BAe 146.
The aircraft’s advanced avionics include a fly-by-wire system, which enhances maneuverability, reliability, and safety while reducing overall weight.
The A319’s fuel efficiency will also allow Neptune to operate in more remote areas with full payloads.
Aerotec & Concept CEO Johan Clochet said: “The Airbus A319’s increased capacity and advanced features make it an ideal choice for wildland firefighting.
“Our team is committed to ensuring that Neptune’s new fleet is optimized for maximum efficiency and safety.”
The transition will occur over several years, during which Neptune plans to operate a mixed fleet of 10-15 aircraft, including both A319s and BAe 146s.
Jennifer Draughon, President of Neptune Aviation, stated: “While our current fleet of BAe 146 aircraft is among the best in the industry, we started planning for this upgrade two years ago as part of our commitment to deliver the best solutions to our customers.”
Neptune continues to work closely with stakeholders, including the USDA Forest Service and Cal Fire, to ensure a seamless transition and operational success.
Airbus will provide ongoing support for the lifecycle of the A319 fleet.
Neptune is also conducting airflow modeling and tank flow evaluations to optimize the aircraft’s performance for firefighting.
The company emphasized its collaboration with Aerotec & Concept to handle the complexities of the conversion process, ensuring that the A319 meets the demands of modern aerial firefighting.
Neptune has communicated its plans with state and federal agencies, who have expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced capabilities the A319 will bring to wildfire suppression efforts.
Neptune Aviation Services has announced a transition to Airbus A319 aircraft for aerial firefighting, with the first plane expected to enter service in 2027.
The new fleet, developed in partnership with Aerotec & Concept, will carry at least 4,500 gallons of fire retardant, surpassing the capacity of the current BAe 146 fleet.
The gradual transition will see Neptune operate a mix of 10-15 aircraft, with Airbus providing lifecycle support.
Key stakeholders, including the USDA Forest Service and Cal Fire, have shown support for the upgrade.
Neptune continues to ensure optimal performance through collaboration and engineering evaluations.
