Sunshine Coast-based McDermott Aviation has started deploying a major aerial firefighting fleet in Greece.
It is the seventh consecutive year the company has supported Greek authorities during fire season.
In a statement released this week, McDermott Aviation said 15 helicopters were being mobilised from Australia and the United States.
“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,” the company said.
“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.”
Over the past three fire seasons, McDermott Aviation aircraft have flown between 2500 and 4500 hours annually on firefighting operations in Greece.
McDermott Aviation was established in 1982. It operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including a large collection of Bell 214 series helicopters.
