Australian helicopters arrive in Athens and prepare to fight wildfires across Greece

·

Four Australian water-bombing helicopters and seven crew touched down at Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ on Saturday morning and are now being assembled in preparation for heading out to fight wildfires across Greece.

The Russian aircraft Antonov An-124 carried the Australian water bombers to Greece after Greek industrial conglomerate, Mytilineos, contracted McDermott Aviation from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to work with them.

Four Australian water-bombing helicopters touched down at Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ on Saturday morning.

READ MORE: Mytilineos sources helicopters and crew from Australia to fight fires in Greece.

The first two Bell 214B aerial water-bombing helicopters and supplies were loaded onto the Antonov An-124 in Wellcamp Airport in Queensland. Another two Bell 214B helicopters were loaded on the Antonov-124 in Perth.

From there, the four Australian helicopters headed off to Athens via Sri Lanka.

READ MORE: Australian water bombers en route from Perth to Athens.

“Mytilineos has proven over time that it is always present during difficult times of our country. This disaster has shocked us all. We knew that there was a need for aerial firefighting, however, there is a terrible shortage worldwide,” Vivian Bouzali, General Manager of Communications and Strategic Marketing at Mytilineos, told The Greek Herald last week.

The Australian helicopters.

“We did what was humanly possible and found the most advanced Erickson firefighting helicopters and brought them from Australia to Greece. Along with a crew of 20 people – pilots, engineers and even translators.

“These helicopters, with a cost of 3.3 million euros, fully covered by Mytilineos will remain in our country for two months. Until the last spark that threatens our homeland goes out. Mytilineos will also contribute both to the reconstruction of the burned areas and to the reforestation of our natural wealth.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous “moon beach”.

You May Also Like

Jenny Souris Foundation announces Fundraising Gala to help young Jack fight cancer

The Jenny Souris Foundation has announced a fundraising gala evening on Wednesday, October 16, from 6.45pm to 10.45pm at Le Montage, Sydney.

Spurs sack Ange Postecoglou despite Europa League glory

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Ange Postecoglou will not continue as manager next season, despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought with a Europa...

Comedy star George Kapiniaris scores lead role in Earlwood Festival

Australian comedy star George Kapiniaris is bringing his trademark humour and penchant for cultural celebration to Earlwood this weekend.