McDermott Aviation deploy aircraft from Australia to Greece ahead of fire season

·

As the fire season gets underway in Greece, six McDermott Aviation B214 ST aircraft have been deployed from Australia to Europe as part of the aerial firefighting fleet that will protect the islands as they face another season underpinned by hot, dry conditions.

These aircraft will reinforce the existing presence of six McDermott Aviation helicopters already stationed in Greece, with an additional three en route from the company’s United States operations. This will bring the total fleet supporting Greece’s aerial firefighting efforts this season to 15.

Six McDermott Aviation B214 ST aircraft have been deployed from Australia to Europe.

The fire season in Greece officially began on 1 May and ends on October 31 and Australian-owned McDermott Aviation’s fleet will remain there for the next five months.

“This is our fifth year fighting fires in Greece,” said John McDermott, Founder and President of McDermott Aviation who are specialists in natural disaster response.

“Last year we performed in excess of 4,000 hours across 14 helicopters, dropping over 25,000 loads onto their wildfires.  That’s roughly 75,000,000 litres of water dropped.

“During that time, we deployed specially trained Australian and international personnel – both on the ground and in the air – to support Greece’s firefighting operations. Currently, approximately 200 individuals are directly involved in McDermott Aviation’s operations in Greece, including local Greek coordinators, liaison officers, and company personnel. At any given time, around 50 McDermott Aviation staff are stationed in Greece on a rotational basis.”

John McDermott.

Last year, McDermott Aviation was among the fleet that helped fight the raging fires that tore through Athens, forcing thousands of locals to evacuate.  They were also actively fighting fires near Marathonas Lake and Penteli Mountain, protecting lives and infrastructure.

In 2023, just before they were due to return to Australia, the versatility and capabilities of the B214 ST were further highlighted when the fleet was urgently deployed to respond to a deadly weather system. Torrential rainfall had caused widespread flooding and mudslides across Volos, Karditsa and Larissa, prompting critical rescue operations to assist those trapped or displaced by the disaster.

“When the call came in, we didn’t hesitate and sent seven of our fleet in to help,” John said.

“We had the resources, and in the face of a potential catastrophe and loss of human life, you have to act swiftly. As natural disaster responders, the versatility of the B214 ST means we can be fighting fires one moment and rescuing passengers the next, because these helicopters are transport-certified, which means they can carry passengers and cargo.”

McDermott Aviation helicopters in Greece last year fighting fires.

John also credits the skills and training of his team, who he says are some of the best in the world.

“Our team is highly skilled and trained for a wide range of disaster scenarios and adapts accordingly. I could not be prouder of our team and the work we do saving lives and protecting communities,” John added.

The McDermott Aviation fleet of 15 helicopters will remain in Greece until October 2025 whilst their Australian-based operations continue to support flooding, fires, and other natural disasters in our own backyard.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How Maih Porfyri’s career pivot took her from fashion to the Paralympics

Maih Porfyri had only been in her job for a few months before she was whisked away on a trip to Paris to cover the Paralympic Games.

My partner doesn’t speak Greek – Can we still raise bilingual kids?

You can absolutely raise bilingual children, even if only one parent speaks Greek. Across the world, countless families do so successfully.

Joint bank accounts: Who gets the money?

All people named in a joint account are privy to the money by Law. Most of us have opened accounts at various bank branches.

Vergina considered among the world’s most mysterious destinations

Featured alongside global wonders, Vergina earns its place through a mystery that has eluded scholars for centuries.

Gender in Modern Greek: Dr Angeliki Alvanoudi to give online seminar

The aim of the seminar is to examine the role of Greek gendered terms in sustaining social gender ideologies that reinforce sexism.

You May Also Like

Yiannis Pagkozidis to bring traditional folk culture to Australia’s 2nd Zeibekiko Festival

Australia is preparing to welcome the 2nd Zeibekiko Festival from September 27 this year thanks to Ventouris Productions.

Anthony Albanese: ‘Today, is a proud day to be Greek’

The Leader of the Opposition and the Australian Labor Party, Anthony Albanese, has sent a message to the Greek Australian community to mark the...

Nick Tsougranis to make emotional NRL debut for the Dragons

Nick Tsougranis will make his NRL debut for the Dragons on Thursday night as they take on rivals Cronulla in the southern Sydney derby.