A Port Alberni-based aviation company is sending three helicopters to Bolivia as part of a deal to support firefighting efforts in the Amazon.
Coulson Aviation, a family-owned company with 30 years in the aviation industry, announced on Saturday that it will be sending three helicopters from its fleet of aircraft as part of a deal between the company and the Bolivian Ministry of Defence.
The helicopters are two Sikorsky S-61’s and one Boeing CH-47 Chinook, which is one of the heaviest lifting helicopters in the world. The aircraft are based in Port Alberni and are now en route to Bolivia via San Bernardino, California, and Saltillo, Mexico.
Wayne Coulson, Chief Executive Officer at Coulson Aviation, says his family’s Port Alberni-based company is frequently contracted to aid in firefighting efforts worldwide. “We’re the only North Americans going there,” says Coulson. “Pretty much every large wildfire incident in the world we get contacted.”
Wayne Coulson says that working on this operation is an honour that could not have happened without the support of Canadian, American, Mexican and Bolivian Governments.
“We are honored that the Bolivian Government had chosen to work with Coulson Aviation in order to help offer support during their time of crisis,” says Coulson.
Tim Ford
