Vallfirest strengthens Water Hog bucket distribution and service network in EMEA

Vallfirest appoints Heliswiss Ibérica for EMEA

Vallfirest has announced in Barcelona on Friday 14 November 2025 a strategic agreement with Heliswiss Ibérica for distribution and after-sales service of its Water Hog bucket across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

According to Vallfirest, Heliswiss Ibérica will manage product distribution, technical assistance and after-sales support for the Water Hog bucket in the region.

The company said the arrangement is intended to shorten delivery times while giving aerial operators a dedicated contact for technical support.

Heliswiss Ibérica is described as a company specialised in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, leasing and equipment distribution.

Vallfirest stated that combining its wildland firefighting systems expertise with Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical experience will offer a more complete service to helicopter operators involved in wildfire response.

Water Hog bucket in Vallfirest aerial line

Vallfirest explained that the Water Hog bucket forms part of its Aerial product line for wildland firefighting.

The company said the equipment is designed to address current wildfire conditions, characterised by higher fire intensity, faster spread and more complex logistics.

By positioning the Water Hog bucket within a dedicated aerial portfolio, Vallfirest aims to align the product with the operational needs of helicopter-based firefighting missions.

The firm noted that the bucket is intended for use on helicopters that support wildland firefighting operations across varied terrains and fire environments.

Distribution network focused on wildfire readiness

Vallfirest said the partnership with Heliswiss Ibérica establishes a consolidated distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company reported that this network is set up to provide rapid delivery of Water Hog buckets to customers in the region.

It added that operators will have access to specialised technical assistance through Heliswiss Ibérica’s aeronautical support capabilities.

According to Vallfirest, this structure is designed to improve access to equipment solutions for aerial operators using the Water Hog bucket.

The company stated that the partnership is intended to enhance the operational readiness of helicopters equipped with the Water Hog bucket.

Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica described their shared aim as increasing safety, efficiency and effectiveness in wildland firefighting operations that rely on helicopter deployments.

Leadership perspectives on the partnership

Vallfirest said its leadership views the collaboration as a way to strengthen the value offered to aerial operators in the EMEA market.

Javier Baena, CEO of Vallfirest, said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with Heliswiss Ibérica; their experience in the aeronautical sector and their presence in the EMEA market allow us to strengthen our value proposition for aerial operators.”

The companies highlighted that the arrangement covers both sales and ongoing operational support for the Water Hog bucket.

Xavier Domingo, CEO of Heliswiss Ibérica, stated: “Our commitment is to offer customers complete support—from sales to maintenance—of Vallfirest equipment.

“We aim to ensure that Water Hog buckets are always available and operational, especially when every minute counts in wildfire response.”

Aerial wildfire operators and procurement impact in EMEA

The agreement between Vallfirest and Heliswiss Ibérica is directly relevant to helicopter operators and fleet managers responsible for wildland firefighting across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to Vallfirest, the partnership creates a defined distribution route for the Water Hog bucket and links it to a dedicated technical support structure in the aeronautical sector.

For procurement officers and equipment specifiers working with aerial firefighting assets, the presence of a regional after-sales and maintenance partner may influence decisions about bucket systems for contracted or in-house fleets.

The companies’ focus on rapid delivery and specialised technical assistance means that organisations planning for wildfire seasons can factor availability and service coverage for Water Hog buckets into their readiness planning.

Wildland firefighting agencies and emergency response managers that use helicopter support may see practical implications in areas such as equipment uptime, access to repairs and coordination of bucket supply during periods of intense wildfire activity.