12 August 2021

MCDERMOTT AVIATION TO DELIVER AUSTRALIAN WATER-BOMBERS TO GREECE TO AID IN WILDFIRE EMERGENCY

A Volga-Dnepr AN124 arrived at Wellcamp Airport, Toowoomba to collect two McDermott Aviation Bell 215Bs.

The aircraft was chartered from Russian airline Volga-Dnepr by Sunshine Coast company McDermott Aviation, just days after Greece’s government requested its assistance in combating the nation’s extensive wildfires.

The An-124, registration RA-82047, landed at Wellcamp, Toowoomba Queensland this week where the first two Bell 214B aerial firefighting helicopters, along with supplies, were loaded.

The Antonov then took off from Wellcamp on route to Perth where it will collect a further two McDermott Aviation Bell 214B firefighting helicopters. Then, the aircraft will head off to Greece, via Sri Lanka, and after two days will arrive in Europe.

According to McDermott Aviation, seven crew, which included pilots and engineers, are present to accompany the helicopters in the aircraft, and similarly aid in the overseas firefighting mission.

The Australian water-bombing helicopters owned by McDermott Aviation have been sent to Greece to assist with the country’s raging wildfires.