Neptune Aviation Services has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319, marking a major milestone in the company’s next-generation aerial firefighting programme.
The Missoula-based aerial firefighting and aviation services provider will become the first operator to use the A319 for wildland firefighting.
The aircraft will expand Neptune’s existing BAe 146 fleet, which has supported wildfire protection operations around the world for the past decade.
Aircraft Conversion Underway
The A319 has been delivered to Commercial Jet’s 400,000 square foot maintenance facility in Dothan, Alabama, where it will be modified into an aerial firefighting airtanker.
Commercial Jet will carry out the conversion work, with Neptune expecting the first A319 airtanker to be operational for the 2028 wildfire season.
Increased Retardant Capacity
Neptune selected the A319 following more than two years of aircraft evaluation, considering factors including retardant capacity, fuel capacity, availability for purchase and long-term serviceability.
The converted A319 will provide a minimum retardant capacity of 4,500 gallons, compared with the BAe 146’s maximum capacity of 3,000 gallons.
The aircraft also carries more fuel, reducing the need for frequent reloads and increasing time over active fires.
Its faster cruise speed is expected to improve response times, allowing retardant to be delivered more quickly.
Engineering and Design Progress
Neptune began the project in partnership with France-based engineering firm Aerotec & Concept, an Expleo company, which designed the aircraft modifications.
As part of the A320 family, the A319 features advanced avionics and fly-by-wire flight controls, using computers to process pilot inputs and send electrical signals to flight surfaces.
Neptune said the system enhances safety, reliability and manoeuvrability while reducing weight by removing traditional cables, pulleys and rods.
2028 Wildfire Season Target
Neptune has completed its Critical Design Review, with all major design decisions finalised. Engineers are now developing manufacturing drawings, and test flights are expected in the coming weeks.
Commercial Jet is expected to complete the aircraft modifications within 18 months.
Nic Lynn, Vice President of Operations at Neptune Aviation, said: “The acquisition of our first A319 is a pivotal moment for our organisation and the wildland firefighting industry.
“The upgrade of our airtanker fleet is fully underway. We have a physical aircraft available that we can convert for aerial firefighting.
“Our team can start performing test flights, and we can start zeroing in on completing the modifications that must be made to have the aircraft ready for 2028.”
Jennifer Draughon, President of Neptune Aviation, said: “The arrival of our first A319 culminates years of planning within Neptune and collaboration with valued partners to ensure we remain at the forefront of aerial firefighting.
“As wildfire threats grow in size and complexity, we are investing in the next generation of airtankers to continue to deliver the capabilities expected by our agency partners and the communities we protect.
“This marks a significant milestone as we work toward adding the A319 to our fleet.
