Austrian operator Kitz-Air has acquired three Airbus H225 helicopters from Milestone Aviation for conversion into aerial firefighting aircraft. The heavy helicopters were delivered in July 2026 and will be modified in Europe by Global Helicopter Services before entering service. The deal is Kitz-Air’s first purchase from Milestone and adds to its heavy-lift, transport and special-missions fleet.
The aircraft are intended for firefighting missions in Europe and South America, where demand for heavy helicopter support has risen alongside more severe wildfire seasons. The H225 platform is widely used in demanding special-missions roles, including fire suppression and transport tasks. Kitz-Air’s expansion into aerial firefighting broadens its operational scope while creating another customer relationship for Milestone in the heavy-helicopter market.
Global Helicopter Services will carry out the conversion work in Europe ahead of the aircraft’s entry into service. The transactions were completed after the helicopters were delivered in July, placing the fleet on course for modification and deployment in the firefighting role.