Writer

Amy Wilder

Turkey-based CMC Savunma Sanayi has renewed its aerial firefighting contract with Columbia Helicopters for the 2025 fire season, marking the fifth consecutive year of collaboration. The agreement extends Columbia’s role in supporting the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry’s wildfire response efforts.
Columbia will deploy four <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-02-28/columbia-introduces-234sp-chinook-helicopter">Chinook Model 234</a> multi-mission helicopters, the commercial variant of the CH-47, each equipped with a 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for targeted water and fire retardant delivery. Flight crews and maintenance personnel will support missions throughout the fire season, which runs from May to October and peaks in the summer months.
“After four years of successful firefighting operations, their 234 multi-mission Chinook helicopters have become a key asset in our support to the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry,” CMC president and CEO Cem Çolak said.
There is growing demand for aerial firefighting resources as wildfire activity intensifies across the region. Data from Turkey’s General Directorate of Forestry indicates that wildfire incidents in the country have risen from approximately 2,950 in 2020 to an estimated 3,800 in 2024.
Scott Rumsby, crew chief for Aircraft 37 and Turkey operations lead, acknowledged the increasing severity of fire seasons. “The 2024 season was especially challenging, with record-breaking temperatures driving conditions that required rapid and sustained response,” he said.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Turkey Renews Wildfire Support Deal with Columbia Helicopters

Chinooks to support Turkey’s firefighting efforts for fifth year

Columbia Helicopters extends its firefighting partnership with Turkey for a fifth year, providing four multi-mission  Chinooks for the coming wildfire season.

Turkey Renews Columbia Helicopters Wildfire Contract

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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