Air Tanker Operations
Our Support
Prepared for the “Wildfire Year”
Since the 1970s, the wildfire season in the Western U.S. has expanded from under 150 days to more than 250 days a year. This shift has led fire safety professionals to move away from referring to a "wildfire season" to a "wildfire year." Neptune has evolved alongside these changing conditions, ensuring that at least three airtankers are always ready to provide immediate support for wildland firefighting whenever the call comes.
A Fleet built for the front lines
Our fleet of nine BAe 146 airtankers is specifically engineered for the rigors of aerial firefighting. These aircraft offer a unique combination of slow flight characteristics, high cruising speed, and outstanding maneuverability.
Rapid Reload
Our Future
Investing in the future: the Airbus A319
We continue to plan for the future and are currently transitioning our fleet to the Airbus A319.
The A319’s increased size and higher maximum takeoff weight allow for 4,500-gallon retardant capacity (a 50% increase over the BAe 146). Converting to these advanced aircraft significantly boosts operational efficiency by reducing the frequency of reloads, ultimately enhancing the safety of our flight crews, ground teams, and the communities we protect.
This phased transition will begin with the first A319 joining our fleet for the 2028 wildfire season.
Dispatch Availability
USFS Contract History
Primary provider of airtanker services to the US Forest Service for over a quarter century
For more than 30 years, Neptune Aviation has been a leading partner to the U.S. Forest Service, regional, and state firefighting agencies in combating wildfires, helping to protect property, and save lives.