ROME, Italy, May 2nd, 2025 – Avincis, Europe’s largest provider of emergency aerial services, has mobilised two Canadair CL-415 firebombers from its Italian-operated fleet to join the crews already fighting a significant wildfire in Israel.
Reacting quickly to the call for help from the Israeli government, Avincis had the two aircraft up in the air and on route from Rome to Tel Aviv within 24 hours. The heavy firefighting C-415s are capable of releasing more than 6,000 litres of water with every drop, giving the Israeli firefighting crews on the ground significant air support.
Last year, Avincis mobilised the same CL-415 fleet as part of the RescEU mechanism to provide additional support with large wildfires in Greece, Albania and Portugal.
John Boag, Avincis Group CEO, said: “We welcome the opportunity to support the people and communities of Israel by sending two Canadair CL-415s to help fight the wildfires around Tel Aviv. In these situations, it is important to react quickly and mobilise aircraft as soon as possible – I am immensely proud of my team for getting this mission off the ground in under 24 hours.”
Avincis has been operating and maintaining the world’s largest fleet of Canadair CL-415s on behalf of the Vigili del Fuoco in Italy for more than 20 years. The 18 aircraft are stationed and maintained at strategically located bases around Italy including Rome, Lamezia, Genoa, Olbia, Trapani and Naples. The fleet is managed by a team of around 250 employees, including more than 200 pilots and specialised technicians.
