Coulson Aviation Champions Boeing 767 as Next Firefighting Airtanker Giant

December 23, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1766502248252-1603

US Company Leans on Proven Widebody Platform for Sustainable Solution to Retiring Aircraft Shortage

Coulson Aviation USA has announced its support for the Boeing 767 Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) program, aiming to find a sustainable replacement for legacy platforms. The company highlighted the recent grounding of MD11 and DC10 fleets after the UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville on November 4, 2025, as a significant challenge for firefighting agencies worldwide. According to AeroTime, Coulson’s 767 VLAT will incorporate the largest iteration of their patented RADS retardant delivery system, delivering a tank capacity that exceeds any rival currently in operation. The aircraft will provide gains in payload capability, fuel efficiency, and long-term maintainability compared to legacy VLAT platforms.

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Key Takeaways

Coulson Aviation is backing the Boeing 767 as a next-generation firefighting airtanker.
The company aims to find a sustainable replacement for legacy platforms nearing end of service life.
The Boeing 767 Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) program offers greater payload, lower fuel burn, and long-term sustainability.

Coulson Aviation USA Boeing

Strategic Implications

Coulson’s decision may indicate the company is prioritizing long-term sustainability in aerial firefighting capability. The use of a proven widebody platform suggests a focus on safety and efficiency. However, the impact on the market remains uncertain, as other companies also develop new solutions to address the retiring aircraft shortage.