Coulson Aviation USA has been awarded a multi-year contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service for firefighting services using Coulson’s Boeing 737 next-generation air tanker, Tanker 137. The contract is effective beginning this year.

British Columbia-based Coulson Aviation was the first in the world to modify a 737 into what it calls a Fireliner, which uses an advanced delivery system to drop retardant. The conversion takes more than 43,000 man-hours and includes avionics upgrades, full strip and re-paint, new interior, and 72 refurbished passenger seats that allow it to transport firefighters without re-configuration.

“I could not be prouder of our company based on all the dedication, hard work, and commitment of teams to design, manufacture, build, operate, and maintain this superior air tanker,” said Coulson Group CEO Wayne Coulson. “Both our Lockheed C-130s and Boeing 737 Fireliners played keys roles in saving homes and lives in Australia this past devastating fire season which we are all proud of.”