Abbotsford’s Conair chosen to provide national firefighting for Canada

Abbotsford’s Conair chosen to provide national firefighting for Canada

Published 12:59 pm Monday, June 1, 2026

A Conair plane battles a wildfire. (Submitted)

Abbotsford’s Conair Group Inc. has been called upon to the front line of the wildfire season in Canada.

The company announced that they are providing four Dash 8-400AT airtankers plus one TBM 960 Air Attack aircraft this year, which includes aerial firefighting pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.

The contract with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (part of the federal government) runs from May 1, 2026 to Sept. 27, 2026.

A post shared by Conair Aerial Firefighting (@conair.aerial.firefighting)

“For six decades, Canada has been at the forefront of designing, building, and operating specialized aircraft to combat wildfires,” stated Conair CEO and president Chris Niemann. “For the first time, Canada has its own national fleet to bolster provincial and territorial firefighting capacity. We are proud to be part of this moment in history, committed to supporting firefighters across the country using our aircraft, made in Canada and operated in Canada, supported by hundreds of Conair aerospace professionals.”

Conair officials added that there are more than two dozen Dash 8-400’s battling wildfires across the globe. The Abbotsford-based company manufactures, owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft. The Dash 8-400AT and the TBM 960AA are produced locally by Conair and exported around the world for contract or sale to government agencies.

Last year saw Conair planes used to fight fires in southern California and they have been used for years in B.C., Alaska, Alberta, Australia, France and Washington State.

“The government’s investment comes at a critical time, as wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe,” said Conair’s director of business development Michael Benson. “Leasing certified aircraft from established Canadian operators with proven safety records and modern avionics ensures the country is ready to respond when it matters most.”

In related news, the company also recently announced its completion of the 28th aforementioned Dash 8-400. Every Dash 8-400AT (airtanker only) and Dash 8-400MRE (multi-role) aircraft completed by Conair has been purchased or contracted by government agencies as the aircraft are delivered.

The past five years has seen demand increase, with 23 of those 28 being created over that time period.

“We began production in 2005 delivering the first multi role airtanker to the French government, who now owns and operates 8 Dash 8-400MRE airtankers,” Benson added. “France uses the aircraft year-round, evacuating citizens, shipping supplies, transporting patients, repositioning personnel, plus fighting wildfire. It is an aircraft that supports both civilian protection and national resilience missions, enhancing the safety and security of citizens.”

For more on the company, visit conair.ca.