De Havilland ramps up Canadair water-bomber production amid soaring global wildfire demand

De Havilland, based in Calgary, resumed manufacturing the Canadair “Super Scooper” water-bomber after purchasing the program from Bombardier, and the first two planes are on track for early-2028 delivery. The aircraft, a purpose-built amphibious fire-fighter with a 6,100-litre tank, is in high demand as Canada, the United States and Europe confront an intense wildfire season, leading premiers and European leaders to lobby for large orders.

Company vice-president Neil Sweeney said pressure from customers is prompting consideration of a second production line, which could raise capacity from ten to twenty units per year; a firm order of 50 aircraft from Ottawa would trigger immediate expansion. De Havilland currently holds orders for 38 aircraft, with delivery windows stretching to 2032-33, and about 80 % of the roughly tens of thousands of parts are sourced in Canada.

Aviation expert John Gradek warned that if Canada cannot meet demand, other nations may develop competing fire-fighting planes, threatening domestic jobs. A Senate report has recommended a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft, and the federal government has recently leased ten planes and helicopters to support provincial crews.