Filenews 4 April 2025 - by Fanis Makrides
The Republic of Cyprus is able to have up to 15 aircraft available and ready for operations during the critical period of 2025.
The plan that has been drawn up for this year's period, which is forecast to be particularly hot in terms of fire safety measures, has taken its final form and is presented today by "F" on the basis of information from competent bodies.
According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Forestry, of these 15 firefighting aircraft and helicopters, 11 have already been "locked". The other four will be made available to the state, subject to conditions.
>> Four Air Tractors on a contract basis
The four firefighting aircraft have been "locked" since last season. Two are available to the Department of Forestry from April 1st. The other two will be available from May.
>> Two Air Tractors from Jordan and two more on standby
The two Air Tractors from Jordan have already been in Cyprus since the end of March together with their operators, on the basis of an interstate agreement to support the Republic during the firefighting season. Under the same agreement between the two states, the Jordanians will immediately send us two aerial firefighting helicopters if we need them.
>> Close to agreement with another state for two high-performance helicopters
As "F" is informed, until recently the competent authorities were very close to an agreement with another state for the concession of two high-performance helicopters for the needs of forest firefighting. These two aircraft are intended to play a primary role. The conclusion of this agreement was considered to be of a formal nature.
>> The Air Tractor of the Department of Forestry
At the disposal of the Department of Forests is also the privately owned Air Tractor of the Republic, which will be able to operate when the need arises. Our information states that it is currently being repaired and will be combat-worthy very soon. There are two Forestry Department pilots available to handle it.
>> 2+2 Kamov helicopters
The lease contract for two Kamov type aerial firefighting helicopters is in the air, as "F" revealed last Wednesday. However, if the contracting authority (General Accounting Office) receives the assurances from the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Forestry that the assessment was not deficient, then it will sign the contract and the Kamovs will be made available to the Republic. This contract provides for the concession of two more Kamovs under conditions and if requested by the Republic.
Five since April
As can be deduced from the above details, within this month there will be at least five available aircraft ready to operate immediately. These include the Air Tractor of the Republic, for which the works, in order to become fully operational, will be completed soon.
Based on the calculations and agreements from May, they will be able to offer services of 11 of these helicopters and aircraft. As reported by circles that have knowledge of the events over time, this may be the first time that from the month of May there will be such a large number of aerial firefighting vehicles with a primary role.
