Alberta adds five new water bombers with a $400 million purchase

Alberta will spend $400 million to buy five Canadair 515 water bombers, with the first delivery expected in 2031.

Alberta is spending $400 million to add five new water bombers to its firefighting fleet over the next several years. The deal is with Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft, and the first amphibious plane is expected to be delivered in 2031. The aircraft model is the Canadair 515, which can skim bodies of water and fill its 6,100-litre tank in about 12 seconds. The province says the purchase is expected to create about 1,000 jobs while replenishing portions of the fleet. Key details: - Cost is reported as $400 million to acquire five water bombers. - The agreement is with Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft and the first delivery is expected in 2031. - The aircraft model is the Canadair 515, capable of skimming water and refilling a 6,100-litre tank in about 12 seconds. - The purchase is reported to be expected to create about 1,000 jobs. - Alberta had 18 air tankers available to respond to wildfires last year and averaged more than 1,000 wildfire starts per year over the past decade, second-highest in Canada behind British Columbia. Summary: The purchase is intended to replenish parts of an aging air tanker fleet and add amphibious capability. The first plane is expected in 2031 and further deliveries will follow over the next several years.