Avincis has concluded a four-month aerial firefighting mission in Chile, where its helicopters flew three times more hours than in previous fire seasons. Operating from early December through the end of March, the mission marked the company’s third consecutive season supporting Chilean firefighting authorities.

Two Airbus AS332L2 Super Puma helicopters deployed from Spain flew a combined 437 hours, performing nearly 3,300 water drops, dumping approximately 10 million liters (2.64 million gallons) of water. About two-thirds of this activity took place in February and March, the height of the Southern Hemisphere fire season.

More than 5,800 wildfires were recorded in Chile during the 2024–2025 season, with a total burn area exceeding 89,000 hectares (344 square miles), 20% more than last year. In response, Chile mobilized a fleet of more than 70 aircraft, operated by domestic and international providers.

A team of 20 Avincis pilots, engineers, and technicians supported the effort from two bases in Los Angeles and Angol, 500 kilometers (311 miles) south of Santiago. The rotorcraft, each capable of transporting up to 18 firefighters and carrying up to 3,500 liters of water via Bambi Bucket, are among the largest aircraft in Avincis’ 220-strong global fleet.

“Chile’s operational environment is extremely demanding,” said John Boag, Avincis group CEO. “Our team has had a phenomenal season in Chile this year. They have worked really hard, often flying the aircraft in shifts for more than eight hours a day. I am extremely proud of their resilience and commitment to saving lives and protecting communities day in and day out for the four months they were stationed in Chile.”

With their Chilean mission complete, the Super Pumas are returning to Spain, where they will continue to provide firefighting, maritime search-and-rescue, and medical emergency services. Avincis operates more than 70 firefighting aircraft across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Chile and logged over 8,500 flight hours on firefighting missions last year.