The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has initiated the acquisition process for new firefighting aircraft to enhance the province’s emergency response capabilities. A significant investment of approximately $187 million will be made to purchase four repurposed planes: two Dash 8-Q400AT models and two Dash 8-Q400MRE models, from Conair Aerial Firefighting. The Government of Canada will contribute $16 million towards this initiative. These aircraft are specifically designed to combat wildfires and other emergencies effectively. The first plane is anticipated to arrive in late summer 2025, followed by the remaining three by the end of 2027. The new aircraft will replace the existing fleet of Convair 580s, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan in 2027. Premier Scott Moe emphasized the significance of this investment in ensuring the safety and well-being of Saskatchewan residents. Of the four planes, two are exclusively designated as airtankers, while the remaining two can serve as airtankers as well as perform multiple other functions such as air evacuations, patient transportation, and cargo hauling. The repurposing of these planes into emergency response aircraft will be undertaken by Conair Aerial Firefighting. Matt Bradley, President and CEO of Conair, expressed the company’s pride in providing these state-of-the-art aircraft for the protection of Saskatchewan communities. He noted that these planes are manufactured in Canada, empowering the nation’s ability to respond effectively to future emergencies.
Saskatchewan Acquires New Firefighting Planes for Enhanced Safety
