Cargolux announced that it launched a new aerial firefighting business unit, Aquarius Aerial Firefighting (Aquarius AFF), in response to extreme weather patterns.
The freighter operator said its aerial firefighting unit will operate a fleet of 12 Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft, which will be acquired over a three-year period.
The first three aircraft have already been delivered and are expected to be ready for deployment by May 2024.
Cargolux said Aquarius AFF will alleviate some of the capacity shortfall for aerial firefighting in Europe and further afield.
"Extreme weather patterns, global warming and their consequences, such as wildfires, are an increasing issue for global communities," it added.
Meanwhile, Cargolux noted that Aquarius AFF aims to provide assistance in the fight against devastating wildfires that threaten human lives and natural resources and significantly contribute to global CO2 emissions.
Cargolux said aerial firefighting is a new territory for an all-cargo airline.
"The inauguration of Aquarius Aerial Firefighting as a new business unit of Cargolux is an exciting new chapter in the company's history. Over the past years, we have witnessed wildfires becoming a growing global issue that requires a rapid response," said Richard Forson, president & CEO of Cargolux.
"Not only do such fires emit significant amounts of CO2, but they pose a significant danger to lives and livelihoods," he added.