Seven new aircraft have joined the fleet of the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources in its efforts to combat deforestation, illegal mining and forest fires. The AW119 Koala helicopters were delivered to the Ibama headquarters in the federal capital. The event was attended by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva.

The fleet renewal will provide a 75% increase in the transport capacity of agents and firefighters; a 40% increase in flight hours per year; and an intensification of firefighting, due to a 133% increase in water-dropping capacity, compared to the previous fleet. In addition, it will enable configuration for vertical techniques, with access by teams to locations without landing conditions, and standardization of the fleet, facilitating training and maintenance.

“These helicopters will enable Ibama to carry out inspection and environmental protection missions more efficiently and quickly, especially in remote, difficult-to-access locations,” stated the Director of Environmental Protection, Jair Schmitt.

There has been an increase in logistical support, including supplying the fleet in isolated areas, expanding operational coverage in the Amazon and Ibama now has seven tanker trucks with a capacity of 15,000 liters each, and two towable tanks with a volume of 3,000 liters, in addition to fuel advance tanks of up to 5,000 liters.

“Last year, we achieved significant reductions in deforestation, but we needed to have a larger structure to stay ahead of environmental criminals and also be able to face the climate crisis,” said Ibama president Rodrigo Agostinho.

With an annual investment of R$130 million the contract, validity until 2030, will be managed by the Air Operations Coordination, linked to the Environmental Protection Directorate of Ibama. The contract is for 5040 flight hours per year, logistics, supply, maintenance, crew, insurance and tracking/communication services.