Originally Posted by
Machdiamond
There is a big fleet (I believe 14) of water bombers sitting idle at my home airport (CYQB), and there is talk here of finding some kind of deal with Australia to lease some of them out during our winter here - similar to what is already in place with California.
This would certainly more be cost effective and win-win in terms of utilisation. Fire season here is April to October.
And if that is viable then why not the government purchasing say, 3 of the soon to be retired Qantas 747-438ERs and doing the same in reverse. Operating/owning them here and leasing them out to California and others during our Winter??? The long range of the aircraft would certainly provide no problems carrying firefighters as well between Australia and the US and v.v.