Coulson Aviation has won a $400 million (AUD) contract with the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service (RFS).
This 10-year agreement, awarded through a competitive bid process, tasks Coulson with managing, operating, and maintaining the entire RFS aircraft fleet.
The agreement builds on the operator’s five-year history of overseeing most of the NSW RFS fleet. This partnership also aims to boost local employment and skill development for improved fire season response.
Current Coulson Aviation Deployment
The fleet under Coulson’s care includes 11 aircraft:
- 1 Boeing 737 FIRELINER Large Airtanker (LAT)
- 2 Cessna Citations
- 6 Bell-412 helicopters
- 1 CH-47 Chinook
- 1 Beechcraft Super King Air
By prioritizing Australian crews, NSW will enhance its self-reliance and reduce dependence on international staff.
Coulson will collaborate with the NSW RFS to conduct extensive training and equipment inspections, aiming to minimize bushfire impact and protect communities.
Expanding Apprenticeship Program
The contract also expands the apprenticeship program, fostering the next generation of aviation experts in NSW.
At least two mechanical apprentices will join the aviation team, gaining hands-on experience with firefighting aircraft.
As the first Transport Canada-approved Approved Training Organization (ATO) in aviation, Coulson plans to implement its “earn while you learn” model in NSW.
This initiative will attract and train new technicians specifically for utility aviation, ensuring a well-trained workforce. Partnerships with local schools will further support this effort.
A Decade of LAT Support
Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Group, expressed pride in being selected as the sole aviation supplier for the NSW RFS fleet.
He highlighted Coulson Aviation Australia’s decade-long leadership in providing Large Air Tankers and Very Large Heli-Tankers to Australian governments.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers praised Coulson Aviation as a reliable, high-performing partner, looking forward to continued collaboration as their aerial capabilities grow.
During the 2022-23 bushfire season, Coulson-managed RFS aircraft completed over 340 missions and rescued 113 people.
The RFS’s 737 ‘Marie Bashir’ was deployed 41 times, dropping more than 600,000 liters of retardant. The fleet also supported other emergency services, including flood rescues.
About Coulson Aviation
Coulson Aviation’s history dates back to 1990, when it provided personnel for heli-logging operations in Alaska.
The company later acquired C-130 Hercules aircraft for firefighting in the United States and Australia. In 2019, Coulson expanded its fleet with five C-130s from the Norwegian Defense Material Agency.
Coulson Aviation (Australia) PTY Ltd., established in 2010, supports long-term operations and commitment to Australian customers.
This subsidiary provides aircraft personnel for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, serving firefighting, flood relief, and offshore oil applications under contract in Australia.
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