Author: Claire Thompson
The provincial government of Saskatchewan in Canada is set to enhance its firefighting and safety capabilities by procuring four De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft.
Scheduled for introduction in late summer 2025, the fleet will consist of two -400AT airtankers and two multi-role -400MREs, replacing the aging Convair 580s reaching the end of their 25-year operational lifespan.
According to Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan heavily relies on land-based airtanker aircraft to manage wildfires, particularly in areas where traditional water-bombers face challenges accessing water sources.
The acquisition, facilitated by Abbotsford-based aerial firefighting specialist Conair Group, comes at an approximate cost of C$187 million. The Dash 8-400MREs possess versatile capabilities, serving not only as airtankers but also adaptable for evacuation, patient transport, cargo transportation, and various other operations.
Matt Bradley, Chief of Conair Aerial Firefighting, highlights the significance of Saskatchewan’s investment in these multi-role airtankers, emphasizing their ability to provide comprehensive emergency response services, from initial response to recovery.
Pioneering in this safety endeavor, Saskatchewan becomes the first province to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens through the acquisition of multi-role airtankers. All four Dash 8-400 aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027, reinforcing the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s preparedness to address not only wildfires but also a wide range of emergencies and safety events.