Monday 19 May 2025: As the fire season gets underway in Greece, six McDermott Aviation B214 ST aircraft have been deployed from Australia to Europe as part of the aerial firefighting fleet that will protect the islands as they face another season underpinned by hot, dry conditions.
These aircraft will reinforce the existing presence of six McDermott Aviation helicopters already stationed in Greece, with an additional three en route from the company’s United States operations. This will bring the total fleet supporting Greece’s aerial firefighting efforts this season to 15.
The fire season in Greece officially began on 1 May and ends on October 31 and Australian owned McDermott Aviation’s fleet will remain there for the next five months.
“This is our fifth year fighting fires in Greece,” said John McDermott, Founder and President of McDermott Aviation who are specialists in natural disaster response.
“Last year we performed in excess of 4,000 hours across 14 helicopters, dropping over 25,000 loads onto their wildfires. That’s roughly 75,000,000 litres of water dropped.”
During that time, we deployed specially trained Australian and international personnel - both on the ground and in the air - to support Greece’s firefighting operations. Currently, approximately 200 individuals are directly involved in McDermott Aviation’s operations in Greece, including local Greek coordinators, liaison officers, and company personnel. At any given time, around 50 McDermott Aviation staff are stationed in Greece on a rotational basis,” added John.
Last year, McDermott Aviation was among the fleet that helped fight the raging fires that tore through Athens, forcing thousands of locals to evacuate. They were also actively fighting fires near Marathonas Lake and Penteli Mountain, protecting lives and infrastructure.
In 2023, just before they were due to return to Australia, the versatility and capabilities of the B214 ST were further highlighted when the fleet was urgently deployed to respond to a deadly weather system. Torrential rainfall had caused widespread flooding and mudslides across Volos, Karditsa and Larissa, prompting critical rescue operations to assist those trapped or displaced by the disaster.
“When the call came in, we didn't hesitate and sent seven of our fleet in to help”, said John.
“We had the resources, and in the face of a potential catastrophe and loss of human life, you have to act swiftly. As natural disaster responders, the versatility of the B214 ST means we can be fighting fires one moment and rescuing passengers the next, because these helicopters are transport-certified, which means they can carry passengers and cargo.
John also credits the skills and training of his team, who he says are some of the best in the world.
“Our team is highly skilled and trained for a wide range of disaster scenarios and adapts accordingly. I could not be prouder of our team and the work we do saving lives and protecting communities,” John added.
The McDermott Aviation fleet of 15 helicopters will remain in Greece until October 2025 whilst their Australian-based operations continue to support flooding, fires, and other natural disasters in our own backyard.
About McDermott Aviation
McDermott Aviation, established in 1982 and headquartered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator. With a fleet exceeding 50 helicopters, including the world’s largest collection of Bell 214 series aircraft, McDermott operates 15 Bell 214Bs and 14 Bell 214STs. McDermott Aviation (MCDAV) owns the Type Certificate for both the Bell 214B and 214ST series and is currently preparing to commence production of its modified Utility 214ST model.
The company specialises in aerial firefighting, heavy lifting, agricultural spraying, infrastructure support, emergency response, aerial application, tourism, and training. McDermott maintains bases across Australia and the Pacific, including in New South Wales, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. Internationally, it has a strong operational presence in Greece and is expanding in North America through major maintenance facilities in Andalusia, Alabama, and the acquisition of Transwest Helicopters in Canada. McDermott delivers safe, reliable, and technically advanced aviation services domestically and abroad. For more information, visit www.mcdermottaviation.com
