Lisbon, Portugal. Avincis, Europe’s largest aerial emergency services firm, has warned that Europe is not prepared for longer and more severe wildfire seasons, as firefighting aircraft are increasingly needed for most of the year.
Chief executive John Boag said prolonged fire seasons and bureaucratic barriers were worsening shortages of aircraft and experienced pilots across the region.
Growing pressure on capacity
Boag said fire seasons were lengthening globally, limiting the movement of aircraft between regions and making pilots increasingly difficult to recruit.
He said the traditional three- or four-month summer peak had expanded, with aircraft now beginning operations in March or April and continuing through October.
Avincis said the longer operating period reduces the time available to transfer firefighting capacity between the northern and southern hemispheres, creating potential shortages.
Wildfire risk expands
The warning comes as France and Spain face major wildfires following weeks of drought that increased fire risks in forests.
Boag said wetter winters could also worsen the situation by increasing vegetation growth that may later become combustible material. He added that wildfire risks were spreading further north in Europe.
He said governments may need to fund aircraft availability throughout the year, as commercial operators are less able to deploy assets to the southern hemisphere during Europe’s traditional off-season.
Avincis operations
Avincis operates a worldwide fleet of 180 helicopters and 40 fixed-wing aircraft, including 22 Canadair waterbombers.
In Spain and Portugal, the company operates 47 aircraft and has flown more than 5,000 firefighting hours so far this year, more than double the total recorded during the same period in 2025.
