Eurasia Press & News
Skopje, – Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD) signed Wednesday an agreement with Spanish company “Air Tractor Europe S.L.” for procurement of three fire-fighting amphibious aircrafts.
PRD manager Saban Saliu and representative of the Spanish company, Hugo Arceo signed the contract.
The airplanes, two of which will arrive in June, and the third in August, have large maneuvering capability and can act on any type of are in the country. Their water capacity is about 3,104 litres, with only 10 seconds required for filling the tank. The plane can fly at high altitudes and temperatures up to 49C.
The Government allocated funds (Euro 10,3 million) for the planes, including training for six pilots, three engineers and two maintenance employees.
“These airplanes are the most appropriate for our country, taking into account Macedonia’s geo-strategic position”, stressed PRD manager Saliu.
Arceo said the planes are quite efficient, able to extinguish different types of fires.
The fire-fighting plane is produced in Europe and USA. More than 150 are used in USA, Canada, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Australia and Brazil, along with regional countries Croatia and Montenegro. The airplane is produced by U.S.-based company “Air Tractor”, whereas Spanish company “Air Tractor Europe” is the authorized representative in Europe.
