Coulson Aviation has secured a new 400 million AUD contract for 10 years with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. Awarded after an open and competitive tender process, Coulson will manage, operate, and maintain the entire RFS fleet. This contract builds on the operator’s previous five years of experience managing most of the NSW RFS aircraft fleet.
This partnership is intended to boost local jobs and skill development, ensuring a robust response to fire seasons. The Coulson team will oversee a fleet of 11 aircraft, including a Boeing 737 FIRELINER Large Airtanker (LAT), two Cessna Citation, six Bell 412 helicopters, a CH-47 Chinook, and a Beechcraft Super King Air. The agreement aims to enhance NSW’s self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on international personnel by employing primarily Australian crews.
In coordination with the NSW RFS, Coulson will conduct rigorous training sessions and thorough equipment inspections as proactive measures to mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires and protect communities. The contract also includes expanding the apprenticeship program to develop the next generation of aviation personnel in NSW. At least two mechanical apprentices will join the aviation team, gaining hands-on experience with firefighting aircraft.
Coulson Aviation aims to expand the apprentice program in NSW
The company, recently approved by Transport Canada as an Approved Training Organization (ATO), plans to expand this model in NSW. This initiative will attract new technicians and train them specifically for the utility aviation environment, ensuring a well-trained workforce. Additionally, collaboration with local schools will further support this initiative.
“We are very pleased to have been chosen as the sole aviation provider to operate the firefighting and emergency services aircraft fleet for the NSW Rural Fire Service,” said Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Group. “Coulson Aviation Australia has been the leading provider of Large Air Tankers and Very Large Heli-Tankers for the Australian Government over the last decade, and it is an honor to have been selected again to continue operating the RFS’s world-class fleet.” “The RFS has found a reliable and high-performing partner in Coulson Aviation, and we look forward to working with them as our aerial capability continues to expand,” said Rob Rogers, RFS Commissioner.
During the 2022-23 wildfire season, RFS aircraft managed by Coulson Aviation completed over 340 missions and rescued 113 people. The RFS 737 ‘Marie Bashir’ was deployed 41 times, dropping over 600,000 liters of retardant. The fleet also supported other emergency services, such as flood rescues.
