Market Trends of Firefighting Aircraft Industry
The Rotorcraft Segment will Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
A wide range of helicopters are selected for firefighting missions based on cost-effectiveness and suitability. Compared to fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcrafts can carry less water or fire retardant and transport fewer firefighters and equipment. Helicopters are helpful for quick initial attacks on smaller wildfires. The new technological developments have improved operational efficiency and made them safer and more reliable. The lift capacity has increased, and advanced water drop systems and enhanced flight control systems have been installed to increase their effectiveness in firefighting missions. Furthermore, incorporating advanced coordination and communication technologies enables better integration of aerial efforts with ground operations, ensuring an improvement in overall firefighting strategies.
Various countries are converting helicopters into firefighters by installing modern internal water tanks. In March 2023, United Rotorcraft started evaluating several options and modernizations for the emergency rescue and firefighting helicopter program. The upgrades included a 1,000-gallon composite water tank, which the company developed in collaboration with Dart. Furthermore, in November 2023, Leonardo signed a contract with Omni Helicopters International to supply AW189 and A189 K helicopters to enhance firefighting capabilities. These high-efficiency, extended-endurance helicopters will improve the operational effectiveness of firefighting missions within the region. The deal aligns with OHI Helicopters International's focus on sustainability and reliability in firefighting operations.
North America Projected to Hold the Highest Market Share During the Forecast Period
North America is projected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period. Wildfires are prevalent in North American countries such as the United States and Canada. They may be caused by natural causes such as lightning or human activity, such as faulty electrical equipment, unextinguished smoking materials, overheating automobiles, or arson. The US National Interagency Fire Center report stated that around 55,571 wildfire incidents occurred in 2023. Similarly, Canada reported 6,132 incidents of wildfires that affected an area of 16.5 million hectares of land in the same year.
Wildfire control agencies in the region use different types of firefighting aircraft, such as Large Airtankers (LATs), Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), Very Large Airtankers (VLATs), Smokejumpers, and Water Scoopers. In a nutshell, high technological capabilities, strong government support, and a high number of wildfires help the region account for the largest share of the global firefighting market. The dominance is supported by ongoing advancements in aircraft technology and strategic initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of wildfire management.
For instance, in April 2024, the Saskatchewan Public Agency announced plans to invest approximately USD 187 million in procuring four repurposed air tankers. The federal government has contributed USD 16 million to support the investment, which underlines a growing commitment to updating and modernizing aerial firefighting fleets.
