Aviation News – Coulson Aviation has announced the launch of a Boeing 767 Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) program aimed at replacing aging aerial firefighting aircraft. The move responds to the grounding of legacy platforms and addresses growing global demand for modern, high-capacity firefighting solutions.
The program was unveiled on 22 December 2025, with Coulson Aviation positioning the Boeing 767 as a sustainable successor to VLAT aircraft nearing the end of their service life. Recent groundings of the DC-10 and MD-11 air tankers have accelerated the company’s decision to expand its large airtanker portfolio using a proven commercial airframe.
The Boeing 767 VLAT will be equipped with Coulson’s largest version of its patented fire retardant delivery system, building on technology already in operational use on the company’s Boeing 737 fleet. The aircraft will also feature seating for up to 160 personnel, increasing its flexibility for multi-role operations and large-scale wildfire response.
“This program represents a major step forward in ensuring reliable, next-generation aerial firefighting capability,” a Coulson Aviation spokesperson said. “The Boeing 767 provides the performance, payload, and longevity needed to support firefighting agencies as legacy aircraft are retired.”
Looking ahead, the new VLAT is expected to strengthen global wildfire response capacity as climate-driven fire activity continues to intensify. Coulson Aviation aims to offer operators and governments a modern, scalable solution that combines proven retardant delivery technology with a widely supported aircraft platform.
With the introduction of the Boeing 767 VLAT, Coulson Aviation reinforces its position as a key player in aerial firefighting modernization. The program reflects a broader industry shift toward newer, more sustainable aircraft capable of meeting future wildfire challenges.
