McDermott Aviation deploys firefighting fleet to Greece McDermott Aviation has commenced deploying a major aerial firefighting fleet across Greece for the country’s 2026 fire season, marking its seventh consecutive year supporting Greek authorities. A total of 15 helicopters – including 11 Bell 214ST “Super Transporter” aircraft and four Bell 214B “Big Lifter” helitaks – are being mobilised from Australia and the United States, with operations running through to 31 October 2026. At peak deployment, 14 aircraft will be on contract at any one time, supported by approximately 100 specialist personnel rotating through Greece, alongside additional operational support teams based in Australia and working in partnership with local Greek providers. Aircraft will be strategically positioned across 11 bases, including key island locations and mainland sites spanning from Araxos in the west to Alexandroupolis in the east, and from Ioannina in the north to Crete and Rhodes in the south, enabling rapid response across high-risk fire zones. The fleet will undertake aerial firefighting operations, including water bombing and the transport of ground crews, with additional capability to support evacuation, search and rescue, and broader disaster response activities as required. McDermott Aviation first commenced operations in Greece with two aircraft and a small crew and has progressively scaled its presence to the current fleet and personnel levels, reflecting the growing demand for aerial firefighting capability in the region. Over the past three fire seasons, McDermott Aviation aircraft have flown between 2,500 and 4,500 hours annually on firefighting operations in Greece. In 2023, the Hellenic Fire Brigade attributed higher aircraft utilisation and faster response times to reducing the total area burned. Founder and President of McDermott Aviation, John McDermott, said the deployment reflects a long-term commitment to supporting large-scale fire operations internationally. “Our continued deployment to Greece reflects a long-term commitment to supporting large-scale fire operations internationally. We have invested heavily in both our fleet and our capability, including ownership and ongoing development of the Bell 214 platform, which allows us to deliver a level of reliability and performance that is critical in these environments,” said McDermott. About McDermott Aviation McDermott Aviation, established in 1982 and headquartered on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator. The company operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including the world’s largest collection of Bell 214 series helicopters. McDermott Aviation owns the Type Certificate for both the Bell 214B and 214ST models and is currently preparing to commence production of its modified Utility 214ST aircraft. The company specialises in aerial firefighting, heavy lifting, agricultural spraying, infrastructure support, emergency response and aerial application. McDermott maintains bases across Australia and the Pacific, including in New South Wales and Western Australia. 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.
