Coulson Aviation to manage NSW RFS fleet for next decade
Iain Hoey
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Coulson Aviation’s new contract and the future of NSW firefighting
Coulson Aviation Australia has been awarded the contract to manage, operate, and maintain the entire New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) fleet for the next decade.
The fleet comprises 11 aircraft, including a 737 large air tanker, two Cessna Citations, six Bell-412 helicopters, a Chinook helicopter, and a Beechcraft Super King Air.
The new contract marks a significant shift towards utilising primarily Australian crews, enhancing local workforce capabilities and self-sufficiency in response to bush fire seasons, which are becoming increasingly prolonged and severe.
Global demand for trained air service crews is high, with many moving between hemispheres to combat fires.
By building local fleet and aviation teams, Coulson Aviation aims to reduce dependence on international personnel as bush fire seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres begin to overlap.
This contract will also expand the apprenticeship program linked to the RFS fleet, fostering the development of the next generation of aviation personnel in NSW.
Enhancements to local workforce and training programs
The contract will ensure that at least two mechanical apprentices are part of the aviation team at any given time, providing them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn advanced firefighting techniques from seasoned professionals.
This initiative aims to bolster the skills and expertise of the local workforce, ensuring better protection for the community.
During the 2022-23 bush fire season, RFS aircraft conducted over 340 taskings and rescued 113 individuals.
The 737 ‘Marie Bashir’ played a crucial role, being dispatched 41 times to combat 26 bush fires, delivering over 600,000 litres of retardant.
The fleet’s versatility also supports other emergency services, such as the NSW State Emergency Service, particularly during floods.
Introduction of new firefighting capabilities
As part of the new contract, a Chinook helicopter added to the NSW fleet last year will soon be equipped to carry its full capacity of 11,000 litres of water or retardant for the upcoming bush fire season.
This enhancement will significantly improve firefighting capabilities, addressing the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib highlighted the importance of this development: “The RFS is at the forefront of aerial firefighting innovation and response, with its fleet playing a pivotal role in firefighting efforts not just here in NSW, but right across Australia.”
Continued partnership with Coulson Aviation
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers emphasised the growth and importance of the aviation fleet: “The RFS aviation fleet has progressively grown in recent years to better respond and support firefighting and emergency operations across NSW, interstate and internationally.”
Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Group, expressed his satisfaction with the continued partnership: “We are extremely pleased to have been chosen as the sole aviation supplier to operate the NSW RFS-owned fleet of firefighting and emergency services aircraft.
“Coulson Aviation Australia has been the leading supplier of Large Air Tankers and Very Large Heli-Tankers to the Australian Government for the past decade and it’s an honour to have been selected again, to continue to run the world class RFS fleet.”
