Over three days, the event will bring together air operators, government authorities, civil protection leaders, manufacturers, engineering firms, and technical experts from around the world to analyze the sector’s main challenges, share operational experiences, and present the latest technological innovations applied to aerial extinction.

📍 Rome
📅 March 24–26, 2026
🏢 Stand 112

A Strategic Meeting Point for the Sector

Aerial Fire Fighting Global 2026 is much more than a trade show. It is a high-level international forum addressing key issues such as:

• Modernization and expansion of air fleets.
• Operational strategies for new-generation wildfires.
• Coordination between aerial and ground resources.
• Incorporation of advanced technology in firefighting missions.
• Pilot training and improvement of safety standards.
• Adaptation to the impact of climate change on fire management.

In a context where wildland fires are increasingly frequent, intense, and complex, aerial response capability becomes a critical element within the global strategy for civil protection and land management.

Aviation Trade Europe: Specialized Solutions for Aerial Fire Fighting

Aviation Trade Europe’s presence in Rome reflects its commitment to the development and strengthening of the aerial capabilities of its clients in Europe and other international markets.

At our stand 112, we will present the Air Tractor options:

• Air Tractor AT-802
• Air Tractor AT-802 Fire Boss

These options have become benchmarks in the segment of medium-load single-engine aircraft for fire fighting, notable for:

• High operational efficiency.
• Optimized operating costs.
• Versatility in different geographical environments.
• Load capacity and speed in attack cycles.
• Mechanical reliability and structural robustness.

In particular, the Fire Boss version provides a strategic advantage by allowing amphibious operations through water scooping from the surface, reducing cycle times and increasing effectiveness in areas with available water resources.

Beyond the Aircraft: Comprehensive Vision

At Aviation Trade Europe, we understand that aerial fire fighting does not solely depend on the aircraft but on a comprehensive vision that includes:

• Strategic fleet planning.
• Analysis of operational needs.
• Financing and acquisition models.
• Technical support and maintenance.
• Pilot training and updates.
• Asset performance optimization.

Our participation in Aerial Fire Fighting Global 2026 will be an opportunity to engage in dialogue with operators and authorities on how to improve coordination with local ground services (firefighters, forest brigades, etc.), reinforce their current capabilities, and plan the future growth of their aerial means.

Welcome to Operators and Authorities

We warmly welcome all sector professionals attending the fair to visit us at stand 112 to:

• Analyze fleet expansion projects.
• Evaluate the incorporation of AT-802 and Fire Boss solutions.
• Study models for improving operational capacity.
• Explore strategic collaboration opportunities.

We firmly believe that international cooperation, technological innovation, and strategic planning are fundamental pillars for building more effective and resilient aerial response systems.

Let’s build the future of aerial fire response together

The evolution of fire risk demands a parallel evolution in aerial capabilities. At Aviation Trade Europe, we work to offer solid, efficient solutions prepared for current and future challenges.

See you in Rome.

Stand 112 – March 24 to 26, 2026

The Air Tractor AT-802 is a crucial tool in the fight against wildfires, thanks to its load capacity, robustness, and versatility. This high-performance single-engine aircraft can be configured as an amphibious version, known as the Fire Boss, or in its land-based version, both designed to efficiently and effectively tackle the challenges of wildfires. Below, we explore the features of both configurations and how they contribute to firefighting operations.

Air Tractor AT-802 Features in Firefighting

The AT-802 is designed to maximize its performance in fire suppression missions. Some of its key features include:

• Quick Response: Thanks to its agile design and rapid deployment capability, it can attack fires before they get out of control.
• Load Capacity: Up to 3,028 liters (800 gallons) of water or fire retardant, allowing effective fire suppression.
• Powerful Engine: Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine, offering reliability and performance in extreme conditions.
• Robust Design: Built to withstand continuous operations in challenging environments and unprepared airstrips.
• Ergonomic Cockpit: Designed to maximize pilot comfort and focus during long missions.

Air Tractor AT-802 with Fire Boss

The Fire Boss is equipped with Wipline 10,000 floats manufactured by Wipaire, making it particularly useful as an amphibious aircraft. Some of its key advantages include:

• Amphibious Capability: The floats allow the aircraft to take off and land on water surfaces, as well as scoop water directly from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs while in motion, enabling continuous bombing without returning to base for refilling.
• Efficient Refilling: It can reload its tank in just 15 seconds while skimming the water’s surface, minimizing the time between drops in the fire zone.
• Maneuverability and Reach: Ideal for fires in hard-to-access areas, thanks to its ability to operate near water sources.
• Efficiency in Large Fires: It can perform rapid drop-and-refill cycles, increasing effectiveness in large-scale fires, especially when multiple Fire Boss aircraft operate in swarms.

Air Tractor AT-802 Land-Based Version

The land-based version of the AT-802 also plays a fundamental role in firefighting, especially in scenarios where water bodies are not nearby.

• Operational Versatility: It can operate from short and unprepared runways, enabling quick deployment in rural or remote areas.
• Load and Range: Offers the same load capacity as the Fire Boss, making it equally effective in delivering water or retardants.
• Terrain Adaptability: Ideal for combating fires in areas far from water reservoirs, using temporary airstrips or ground bases.

Key Differences Between the Fire Boss and Land-Based AT-802

• Amphibious Capability: The Fire Boss can operate on water, while the land-based version is limited to runways.
• Continuous Attack: The Fire Boss is much more efficient for fires near water sources since it can continuously scoop and drop water on the fire. If water sources are unavailable, the land-based version is ideal for fires in remote areas, operating from unpaved airstrips or temporary bases, making it highly flexible for deployment anywhere with sufficient landing space.

Firefighting Advantages

• Direct Attack Strategy: Both versions of the AT-802 allow for precise, rapid, and close-range drops over fire hotspots, helping to contain their spread.
• Operational Efficiency: Their ability to operate in demanding conditions and perform quick drops makes them an indispensable resource for firefighting teams.
• Tactical Flexibility: The Fire Boss excels in fires near water reservoirs, while the land-based version complements operations in areas without nearby water access.

If you are interested in learning more about the Air Tractor AT-802’s capabilities, feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with all the necessary information.

Our president, Vicente Huerta stated that “We are delighted to announce our contract for 31 Fire Boss. In addition to this multi-year order, ATE has purchased over 80 sets of floats for the European market” further stating that “If we look to the future, the threat of forest fires extends throughout the year. “It is vital that we create a fleet that can support our new reality.”

For his part, Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire, the company that owns Fire Boss, stated that “We believe that the excellent performance of Fire Boss, together with the operational experience of Air Tractor Europe, will greatly improve firefighting efforts. forest fires” further stated “This order further cements the long-term partnership between our two companies and their commitment to providing fast and safe air support throughout Europe.”

These agreements and the permanent effort to improve services, through training and incorporating talent, in addition to investment in infrastructure and technologies, are helping us achieve excellent results and excellent future prospects.

As a recurring sponsor and active participant, Air Tractor Europe deployed its latest innovations in firefighting techniques, highlighting the efficiency of the AT-802 to obtain the best results. In addition, the event had the distinguished presence of the presidents of Air Tractor Europe and Air Tractor Inc., giving special relevance to this year’s event.

During the two-day conference cycle, crucial topics were addressed such as suggestions and improvements for the rescEU system (civil protection mechanism of the European Union), the need for aerial means in the face of the increase in fires in Europe and the effectiveness of the rapid response as a firefighting strategy.

Air Tractor Europe also had an outstanding participation in the conference event with the presentation titled “A Paradigm Change: Tools and Strategies against New Fires”, which generated great interest among attendees, awakening curiosity about new prevention techniques. and fire fighting.

Strategic Collaborations and Business Opportunities: A Historic Agreement

Beyond being a platform for the exhibition of products, AFFE 2023 was established as a space conducive to the creation of networks and strategic collaborations. Air Tractor Europe took this opportunity to close a historic agreement: the acquisition of 31 AT-802 aircraft from Air Tractor Inc. This commitment strengthens the working and professional relationship between both companies, and helps consolidate Air Tractor’s position in the European market. .

We look forward to seeing how Air Tractor Europe will contribute to the continued evolution of the global wildfire response.

Turkey is a high-risk area for forest fires due to its long summers, low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds. In the summer of 2021, the impact of the forest fires was very high, more than 250,000 hectares were burned, there were a high number of victims and considerable economic damage.

In 2022, Titan Firefighting Company, a Spanish company with extensive experience in fighting forest fires through the use of AT-802 aircraft, joined the firefighting team. The incorporation of this company helped reduce the area burned in that year to 15,000 hectares. The key to success has been in the speed and efficiency in the operations carried out through the AT-802 and a high level of preparation and organization. This allowed many fires to be extinguished in the first hours of the fire, something that is essential to ensure that the fires do not get out of control and become unapproachable. In addition, this increase and improvement of the firefighting equipment allowed them to collaborate in firefighting by sending planes to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Georgia, two international operations in which great success was achieved.

The evaluation of the improvements achieved with the incorporation of the Air Tractor AT-802 are what has prompted the Turkish government to purchase these 20 aircraft. The purchase contract establishes the incorporation of 4 aircraft per year, with the expectation that by 2027 Turkey will have a complete fleet of its own aircraft to fight fires.

At Air Tractor Europe we are proud of the work carried out and the commitment acquired, both in the provision of aircraft and training and education, as well as in their maintenance, spare parts and technical support at the place of operation.

We thank Turkey for its confidence in Air Tractor Europe.

The agreement was signed by Minister Šarec, by Leon Behin, Acting Director General of the Slovenian Ministry of Defense and by our Director General Mr. Rafael Selma, Executive Director (CEO) of Air Tractor Europe, which is the company that distributes in Europe , Africa and the Middle East aircraft of Air Tractor Inc.

This contract is the result of the work carried out by ATE to disseminate the advantages and convince of the importance of having aircraft with the ability to operate with great speed and precision to greatly reduce the impact of forest fires, for this, the AT-802 Fire aircraft Boss, together with a good training of the aerial firefighting teams, pilots, mechanics, coordination, are essential and at ATE we are experts in obtaining the best results.

The purchase of the aircraft is 85% co-financed by the EU Cohesion Policy Funds for the period 2021-2027 and, in addition to allowing the fight against fires in Slovenia, it will form part of a logistics and training system that will allow its incorporation into the common European firefighting air fleet that can operate in other EU countries.

We are proud to have the trust of firefighting professionals in Slovenia and our partners, Air Tractor Inc and Fire Boss, to be able to carry out the incorporation of these new aircraft with full guarantee.

We hope it has been of interest to you, if you want to know more about the possibilities of our aircraft and services to help in the fight against forest fires you can contact us. We take this opportunity to offer you our Visual Guide on Forest Fire Fighting through the following form:

Get Visual Guide

This joint announcement was made during the Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2022 Exhibition held in Nimes, France. At the presentation, our CEO Rafael Selma, stated: “We at Air Tractor Europe were early adopters of the Fire Boss. Since 2003 we have delivered more than 75 across Europe. With this order, we are positioned to expand further into markets that recognize the advantage of fast and accurate initial attack and want lower operating costs than other tankers on the market.

Clint E. Clouatre, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Fire Boss, LLC, said, “This unprecedented order solidifies the acceptance of the initial attack strategy for aerial fire suppression in Europe. It is the most economical and environmentally friendly option for successfully fighting wildfires.” Later Stephen Johnson, Director of Global Sales for Fire Boss LLC, added: “Our partner, Air Tractor Europe, is leading the way for Fire Boss’ success in this territory and is key to new countries utilizing this efficient platform.”

Some key points of this partnership announcement are:

• Air Tractor Europe is the exclusive distributor of Air Tractor for Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It has a long history of experience, having been founded in 1965, and has been an official Air Tractor distributor since 1996.
• Some of the capabilities that ATE possesses and that have earned it the trust of Fire Boss and allowed it to grow in its market are:
• It has a wide structure for the provision of integral services of advice, sales, maintenance, consultancy, training and air operation.
• It has aircraft facilities in Castellón, Spain, which include an EASA145 maintenance center and an AT802 repair center with avionics, engine and propeller capabilities. In addition, it has a CAMO+ center, an EASA147 training center, a flight school for ground and amphibious training, and an FTD level 2 simulator for both ground and amphibious AT802.
• The Fire Boss is an AT802F Air Tractor modified to improve its operability.
• The Fire Boss consists of Wipline 10000A amphibious floats designed and built by Wipaire.
• The Fire Response Dispersion System (FRDS) is computer controlled to achieve optimum water drop on target using the Gen III fire door.
• With this order, Fire Boss will reach the milestone of more than 160 deliveries worldwide.

We look forward to continue achieving challenges and bringing good news about the milestones achieved by Air Tractor Europe.

The guide is made in a visual format that can be assimilated in a simple, practical way.

Some of the contents included are:

– How a fire starts.

– Historical evolution of fire.

– Technical aspects of fire fighting.

– Main aerial means used.

– Real cases of fire fighting operations.

– Key conclusions.

To get it for free, just request it here. Currently this last version (2.0) is published in English and Spanish, with French and Portuguese versions coming soon.

We hope you find it useful. We look forward to any comments or suggestions you may have.

]]> https://aviationtradeeurope.com/en/participation-of-air-tractor-europe-in-aerial-fire-fighting-2022/ Thu, 02 Jun 2022 10:30:51 +0000 https://aviationtradeeurope.com/?p=52140 Air Tractor Europe, as exclusive dealer of Air Tractor Inc. for Europe, North Africa and Middle East, joined this year together with our partner Fire Boss the reference event of fire fighting in Europe, Aerial Fire Fighting Europe. This time the event took place in Nimes (France).

At the event we had the opportunity to maintain contacts with customers and industry players, showing them the latest developments in our aircraft and services provided and exchanging knowledge and experiences on the challenges of fire fighting at the present time.

In line with this objective of providing knowledge to the agents of the sector, we have participated in the cycle of conferences with the lecture “Present and future of forest fires” given by Mr. Hugo Arceo, sales director of ATE, in which the main characteristics of the current forest fires and the forecasts of future evolution have been presented, showing some of the best techniques to address them. We remind you that from Air Tractor Europe we have published a Visual Guide on Forest Fire Extinction that you can download here.

We thank all of you who have visited us for your interest, and we remind all customers and partners that we remain at your disposal in our facilities, where we will attend all your queries.