TWO NEW AIRTANKERS JOIN SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT’S FLEET

Saskatchewan’s forest fire fighting air fleet received a boost today with the arrival of two new CV580A aircraft.

The two Convair 580A airtankers, land-based planes that drop fire retardant on the edges of forest fires, arrive in Saskatchewan today, just in time for the 2007 forest fire season.  Their arrival means the province now has three CV580As.  A fourth aircraft, which will replace one lost during a training exercise last spring, will be in service for the 2008 forest fire season.  The cost of the four aircraft is $44 million.

“These new aircraft are part of a ten-year, $200 million fleet renewal strategy,” Environment Minister John Nilson said.  “This investment will enhance our ability to protect lives, communities and resources, and contributes to our goal of a green and prosperous economy.”

The Convair 580As are faster and more efficient, with a higher load capacity, than the land-based De Havilland Tracker aircraft that the province has operated for the past thirty years.

“Saskatchewan Environment operates a highly regarded forest fire management organization,” Nilson said.  “These new planes, along with other enhancements to the air operation fleet and the fire tower network, will help us to improve our fire management program.”

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For more information, contact:

Jeanette Krayetski
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2691
Email: jeanette.krayetski@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-961-2105