De Havilland racing to build water bombers as wildfire demand soars globally
Calgary aircraft maker could double production if federal government orders 50 Canadair Super Scoopers, executives say.
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De Havilland's Calgary assembly plant is under intense pressure to speed up production of the Canadair Super Scooper water bomber as wildfires rage across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
The company revived the firefighting aircraft program in 2022 after acquiring it from Bombardier. Two aircraft are on schedule for delivery in early 2028, but demand far outpaces current capacity. De Havilland can produce about 10 water bombers annually at full capacity with one production line — roughly 20 each year if a second line is built.
The company has existing orders for 38 water bombers. "We are under pressure," said Neil Sweeney, the company's vice-president of corporate affairs. "We know that this is a very important aircraft not only for Canada but for the world."
European leaders and Canadian premiers have publicly criticized their governments for insufficient water-bomber fleets amid consecutive brutal wildfire seasons. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said in June 2025, "We could use every water bomber we can get our hands on."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is working with provincial counterparts and the federal government to secure a firm order — she has told the federal government that an order of 50 aircraft would give De Havilland "certainty" to build a second production line immediately.
De Havilland, which employs about 4,000 people predominantly in Calgary, Ontario, and Victoria, builds the aircraft by hand with assembly concentrated in Calgary and supply chains across the country. The Canadair design — with 30-metre wingspans, a 6,100-litre water tank, and distinctive yellow-and-red exterior — has been purpose-built for firefighting since the 1960s, able to scoop water directly from lakes, rivers, and oceans in seconds.
The facts
How many water bombers can De Havilland produce annually?
De Havilland can produce approximately 10 Canadair Super Scoopers annually at full capacity with one production line, or roughly 20 each year if a second production line is built.
When are the next two aircraft scheduled for delivery?
Two Canadair Super Scoopers are on schedule for delivery in early 2028.
How many existing orders does De Havilland have for water bombers?
De Havilland has existing orders for 38 water bombers.
What order size would prompt De Havilland to build a second production line?
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has told the federal government that an order of 50 aircraft would give De Havilland the certainty to build a second production line immediately.
