Helping to fight wildfires in Greece
Chapman Freeborn Australia has chartered an AN-124 to transport four Bell 214B helicopters from Australia to Athens to help fighting wildfires in Greece. The fires have been spreading throughout the Euboea, Peloponnese and Attica regions since the start of August, with over 1,161 square kilometres impacted.
The operation was time-sensitive and required exceptional cooperation between all associated parties, with Chapman Freeborn, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, McDermott Aviation, the airports, handling agents, freight forwarders, and government authorities working together.
It is rare for AN-124 aircraft to be mobilised on such a compact timescale; there are usually approximately ten days to prepare the aircraft and cargo for the flight, but in this instance, there was just 72 hours. Just two days after receiving the request, loading commenced onto the aircraft at Wellcamp and Perth. (ah)