Coulson readies Santiago del Estero’s Boeing 737-300 FireLiner, gets approval for maintenance base in Argentina Aviacionline
The National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) of Argentina has granted Coulson Aviation certification to conduct aircraft maintenance for aircraft registered in Argentina. With this certification, Coulson Aviation becomes the only Canadian company authorized by ANAC to perform maintenance on both specialized and non-specialized aircraft.
Argentinian province acquires a Coulson Boeing 737-300 for firefighting
In addition to this certification, the arrival of the Boeing 737-300 FireLiner is anticipated under an agreement with Santiago del Estero. This aircraft will be the largest aircraft used to fight fires in Argentina. This certification reinforces Coulson Aviation in supporting aerial firefighting operations in Argentina and neighboring countries.
Britton Coulson, president and operations director of Coulson Aviation, highlighted: “The experience and commitment of Coulson Aviation to innovation ensure that our maintenance capabilities, technology, and products are designed and implemented with unparalleled quality.”
“Working together with a dedicated local team, our robust training programs and experienced crews ensure everyone is prepared at the highest level before undertaking aerial firefighting missions,” he added.
Coulson Aviation to Base Boeing 737 in Santiago del Estero
In May 2022, the government of the province of Santiago del Estero, in the northwest of Argentina, and Coulson Aviation, signed an agreement for the acquisition of a Boeing 737-300 which was converted into a water-bomber aircraft, a historic operation for the country given the size of the aircraft and the usual lack of equipment to fight fires in the interior.
The acquisition cost of the aircraft was USD 15,000,000. The time consumed for the conversion of the Boeing 737 was estimated at approximately 12 months. The aircraft previously operated for Southwest Airlines under the registration N601WN, with 28.5 years of age, accumulating 70.9 thousand flight hours and 56.3 thousand landing and takeoff cycles until June 2018, according to Cirium.
Coulson Aviation is known for converting commercial planes into effective fire-fighting systems. The Boeing 737-300 FireLiner, in particular, stands out for its ability to transport firefighters without requiring reconfiguration, load 15,150 liters of retardants, and fly at maximum speeds and altitudes with a retardant load without restrictions.
Each FireLiner is equipped with Coulson’s Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS), which does not require additional crew or equipment.
Coulson Aviation currently operates an extensive fleet of aircraft that includes Boeing 737, Lockheed C-130, Boeing CH-47D, Sikorsky S-61, and S-76 worldwide.
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