MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Aerial Firefighting Supply Chain & Manufacturing Challenges Aircraft Orders and Deliveries Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Airbus ATR

Airbus backs ATR 72 waterbomber conversion as Positive Aviation targets a 2029 alternative to the Canadair

Airbus will begin assembling the first float for a Positive Aviation program to convert an ATR 72 into a firefighting waterbomber, aiming for an initial operational alternative to the Canadair by 2029. In parallel, Corsica Technics has signed an LoI for 10 Kepplair 72 conversion kits, while France has also contracted for two DHC Canadair 515 amphibious aircraft.

Discovered 2026-07-17T00:27:18.552538-07:00 | 2026-07-17T00:27:18.552538-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Expands the validated waterbombing portfolio beyond legacy Canadair deliveries, with Positive Aviation’s ATR 72-to-waterbomber conversion roadmap targeting readiness by 2029.
Industrialization signals scaling intent: Corsica Technics’ LoI for 10 Kepplair 72 conversion kits provides a concrete path for converting existing ATR 72 airframes into firefighting aircraft.
Procurement continues alongside conversion: France’s contract for two DHC Canadair 515 amphibious aircraft shows governments are still buying new dedicated capacity while also testing retrofit alternatives.

Reported By

AINonline modstore.aero actu-aero.fr aerobuzz.fr latribune.fr FlightGlobal