2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Air Tractor, a legacy in wildfire suppression and treatment applications.
FPL recognizes Air Tractor AT-802’s transformative role in revolutionizing our aerial operations and advancing our mission to protect New Brunswick’s forests, communities and critical infrastructure.
From T.B.M. Avengers to Air Tractors
FPL’s journey in aerial fire suppression began in the 1970s with modified T.B.M. Avengers—World War II-era torpedo bombers transformed for fire suppression and forestry purposes. Equipped with 600-gallon tanks, the Avengers established a new standard for rapid wildfire response across the province, significantly reducing burn areas and the devastation caused by wildfires.
By the 1990s, FPL operated a dedicated wildfire fleet of six Avengers, achieving response times as short as 22 minutes. However, maintaining these vintage planes became increasingly challenging.
In 2001, we embraced a new chapter with the Air Tractor AT-802, the world’s largest single-engine air tanker. Featuring an 820-gallon tank, the AT-802 has redefined efficiency and precision in fire suppression. Its robust design is adaptable for fire suppression and aerial application treatment.
By 2003, FPL had fully transitioned to a fleet of Air Tractors ensuring we remained at the forefront of wildfire management. We equipped them with cutting-edge AgNav technology for unparalleled navigation, coordination and safety for treatment applications.
Impact on Wildfire Suppression and Forestry
This modernization has had a profound impact. Between 1994 and 2008, the average annual area burned in New Brunswick dropped to less than 500 hectares, compared to 12,000 hectares before FPL’s aerial fire suppression efforts began. Our fleet’s speed, precision, and technology ensure rapid response times, often containing fires within minutes and limiting their spread.
The AT-802s have also been integral to our forestry treatment applications, protecting New Brunswick’s Acadian forests and contributing to the health of the province’s economy. The forestry industry in New Brunswick contributes about $1.5 billion to the provincial GDP and supports 24,000 jobs.
| NEW BRUNSWICK | 10-year average 2014-2023 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Fires to date | 246 | 204 | 284 |
| Forested area burned to date | 454.8 ha | 857.3 ha | 293.2 ha |
A Future of Excellence
Our Air Tractor fleet exemplifies FPL’s commitment to innovation and excellence. It combines speed, capacity, agility, and reliability to help protect New Brunswick’s natural resources vital to the forestry sector. The FPL fleet ensures we are ready to meet these challenges as climate change intensifies wildfire risks and pest infestations.
We celebrate 50 years of Air Tractor’s remarkable legacy in wildfire suppression and forestry treatment applications. We are proud to be part of this history, flying the skies to protect natural resources for future generations.