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The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an order for three additional H225 helicopters, bringing its total H225 fleet to 18 units. As the largest Super Puma operator in Japan, JCG received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, and disaster
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AUSTRALIA: A large air tanker has crashed while performing routine firefighting operations in New South Wales, with the loss of all three crew members.
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When it comes to debate over climate change, you won’t find Ray Cronin lining up with the sceptics. As boss of specialist aviation group Kestrel, he has seen first hand how the influence of climate change has grown year by year to produce what is one of the few true growth ‘industries” in the helicopter sector: fighting fires.
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New South Wales has signed a contract with United States-based Coulson Aviation to purchase three aircraft for firebombing duties, including a modified Boeing 737 large air tanker.
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The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has begun investigating the crash of an Erickson Aircrane helicopter that was fighting bushfires in Victoria.
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Victoria emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp says the crash of an Erickson Aircrane while fighting bushfires has led to the type being grounded across Australia while the cause of the accident is investigated.