Avincis has won the seven-year contract to operate Italy’s fleet of 18 CL-415 Canadairs.

With more than 20 years’ experience in firefighting emergency services in Italy, Avincis will continue to operate the world’s largest fleet of CL-415 Canadairs, owned by the Italian fire brigade, ensuring timely and effective interventions in all situations.

Roberto Marcolini, Avincis Managing Director Italy Fixed Wing Division, said: “We have been proud to operate this fleet for more than 20 years, saving lives and protecting communities thanks to the commitment, courage and dedication of our pilots, technicians and other team members who all work together to provide this world-class service to the people of Italy. I would like to thank the government and the fire brigade for choosing Avincis to be their partners for the coming years.”

Globally, Avincis operates from more than 180 bases across Europe, Africa, and South America, with a fleet of about 220 aircraft and a team of more than 2,400 highly-qualified professionals, including pilots, technicians, and support personnel. Management of global operations and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities is coordinated from its headquarters in Lisboa, Portugal. In Italy, Avincis’ fixed wing division has three permanent and three seasonal bases, with the possibility of activating additional temporary bases.

Italy is also an active participant in RescEU, the European civil protection mechanism, which requires the Avincis fixed wing team to deploy the Italian Canadairs in 24 hours wherever they are needed. Recent missions include Portugal, Greece, and Albania.

The presence of first-rate maintenance centres at Ciampino and Lamezia, in addition to those located in Genoa, Olbia, Trapani and Naples, guarantees safe and efficient operations thanks to a team of 250 employees, including more than one hundred pilots and about the same number of specialised technicians.