Canadair water-bomber builder feels heat of demand as wildfires rage around the world

Raging wildfires put increasing pressure on Canadian water bomber fleet

As Canada, the United States and Europe grapple with another brutal wildfire season, pressure is building on the manufacturer of the Canadair "Super Scooper" water bombers to increase production, and on the federal government to bulk order the planes.

Calgary-based De Havilland is taking the rare step of reviving production of the Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program. The planes had been built by Bombardier up until 2015.

The world-renowned aircraft are built by hand with the majority of assembly in Calgary, from a supply chain across the country. The revived production line was announced in 2022 and is beginning to produce results as the first two aircraft are taking shape and on schedule to be completed and delivered in early 2028.

Canadian premiers and European leaders are desperate to get their hands on those aircraft amid current shortages and aging fleets.

First produced in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane was designed for fighting vast fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its unique design allowed it to navigate narrow canyons at low altitude and scoop thousands of litres of water directly from lakes, rivers and oceans in seconds.

The aircraft was purpose-built as a firefighting aircraft, as opposed to other planes and helicopters that are often modified to be able to carry water.

The latest version of the Super Scooper will be remarkably similar to past Canadair aircraft, with high wings spanning 30 metres, a 6,100-litre water tank, and the distinct yellow and red exterior.

In recent weeks, opposition politicians in France and Spain have criticized governing leaders for not having enough operational Canadairs, leading to a lack of preparedness to tackle extreme weather and control wildfires.

Some provincial premiers have lamented the lack of new water bombers for consecutive summers, including Manitoba's Wab Kinew, who said in June 2025, "We could use every water bomber we can get our hands on."

"We are under pressure. We know that this is a very important aircraft not only for Canada but for the world. We take our responsibility to our customers and the people they serve very seriously," said Neil Sweeney, the company's vice-president of corporate affairs, in an interview inside the Calgary assembly plant.

Demand is so high that De Havilland is considering whether to build a second production line, even as it works to produce its first aircraft at existing facilities.

In recent weeks, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she is working with her provincial counterparts and the federal government to support a firm order by Ottawa, which would give the aircraft manufacturer enough certainty to begin constructing a second line.

"We told the Canadian government that if they made an order of 50 aircraft," said Sweeney, then, "we would build a second line tomorrow."