Coulson Aviation has announced the arrival of the company’s first Boeing 737-700 aircraft to be converted into the world’s highest capacity Large Air Tanker (LAT). This is the first of up to ten aircraft, and Coulson is proud to continue its partnership with Southwest Airlines, which has supplied Coulson with its entire 737 fleet to date.
“Our new 737-700 Next Gen FIRELINER programme will build on the success of our existing 737-300 platform,” says Britt Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation. “The FIRELINER platform has been the go-to large air tanker for foreign governments due to its unique multi-role capability, allowing it to transport passengers when not deployed on active firefighting missions. This versatility also supports a streamlined process in finding both flight and maintenance crew and aircraft parts.”
The Next Gen FIRELINER will set a new standard for LATs worldwide with its increased 5,000 USG (19,000 litres) payload, reduced fuel burn, extended range and higher speed. With up to double the volume of competing LATs, this aircraft can arrive at fires earlier and improve the success of initial attack missions, helping to keep fires smaller.
In 2023, global fires emitted over 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide—more than most countries—and contributed to over 340,000 premature deaths due to air pollution. Larger, more capable aircraft are crucial in extinguishing fires while they are small, preventing them from turning into mega-fires that endanger lives and property. This addition to the Coulson fleet exemplifies the company’s commitment to protecting the environment and minimising irreversible damage.
