HISTORY

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Over the past seven decades, Air Spray has evolved into one of the largest and most experienced aerial firefighting operators in the world by expanding its fleet, advancing its technology, and refining its skills through thousands of missions. From pioneering new retardant tank systems to operating in some of the most challenging wildfire environments, our history is defined by a commitment to protecting forests, communities, and the people who call them home. Here is our story:
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EARLY YEARS

Air Spray Ltd. was originally incorporated in 1954 as a crop spraying company in the Wetaskiwin, Alberta area, using Grumman Ag aircraft. In 1956, it expanded into mosquito control with a contract awarded by the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

At the same time, aerial firefighting was emerging as a critical new industry as government agencies sought more effective ways to protect forests, infrastructure, and communities from increasingly destructive wildfires.

In response, Air Spray Ltd. ended its crop-spraying operations, converted two Stearman biplanes into Airtankers, and, in 1958, was awarded the first-ever aerial wildfire suppression contract issued by the Alberta Government. The contract continued for several years, with Air Spray Ltd. eventually switching to the larger and faster Grumman TBM Avenger Airtanker.

THE A26/B26 ERA

As wildfire suppression demands increased throughout the 1960s, the industry began transitioning toward faster, more capable twin-engine aircraft. The Douglas A-26 Invader and B-26 variant quickly emerged as the ideal airtanker platform due to their speed, large payload, and rugged military design.

Originally designed as military aircraft, the A-26 and B-26 platforms provided the speed, payload, and rugged construction required for airtanker operations. It also featured an internal bomb bay perfect for conversion into a retardant tank system. These aircraft would become the backbone of Air Spray's operations throughout the 1960s and 1970s. 

A NEEDED INVESTOR

Converting the A-26 into an airtanker required significant investment, and although Air Spray had acquired the aircraft, additional capital was needed to complete the conversion. The person who stepped forward was long-time Alberta bush pilot and entrepreneur Don Hamilton.

Having spent decades flying in Northern Alberta, Don had witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by wildfires and saw how aviation could become an essential tool in wildfire management. Using funds earned through his northern air transport business, Don invested in Air Spray to finance the company’s first A-26 airtanker conversion - Tanker #1, CF-PGF.

After a successful first contract with the Alberta government, Don acquired the company entirely and, under the name Air Spray (1967) Ltd., began building one of Canada’s leading aerial firefighting organizations. 

THE L188 ELECTRA

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Air Spray expanded its operations across Canada, supporting wildfire agencies in Alberta, the Yukon, and other provinces, eventually operating 22 A-26 airtankers, supported by a fleet of Cessna 310 "bird dog" or lead-plane aircraft.

As wildfire operations evolved, government customers began seeking larger, faster, and longer-range airtankers capable of delivering increased retardant loads over greater distances. Air Spray responded by transitioning to the four-engine Lockheed L-188 Electra airtanker platform. The Electra offered exceptional power, endurance, payload, and four-engine reliability, making it ideal for the demanding operating environments of Western Canada.

To complement the Electra fleet, Air Spray introduced the Turbo Commander 690 as its bird dog aircraft platform, providing improved speed, range, and operational capability for aerial coordination missions.

CL SERIES AMPHIBIOUS SCOOPERS

In 1984, Don Hamilton purchased four Canadair (now De Havilland) CL-215 amphibious scoopers, making Air Spray the world's first private operator of the aircraft. A few years later, Air Spray secured a contract to operate the Government of Alberta's newly purchased CL-215 fleet. Today, Air Spray operates 11 CL-Series (215, 215T, and 415) aircraft for the Governments of Alberta and Manitoba, making it one of the world's largest operators of the CL-Series scoopers.

A FAMILY LEGACY

​Don Hamilton built Air Spray with a commitment to safety, reliability, innovation, and operational excellence. Over the decades, the company grew from a small Alberta aerial application business into an internationally recognized aerial firefighting organization.

Don Hamilton passed away in 2011 at the age of 86, only two months after being inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. The company's leadership then passed to his daughter, Lynn Hamilton, who continued Air Spray’s legacy as a Canadian family-owned business. More recently, Don’s grandson, Jack, joined the company, helping to guide the next generation of growth and development.

Today, Air Spray continues to advance aerial firefighting through next-generation airtanker operations, proprietary retardant delivery systems, aircraft engineering, maintenance, and aerospace, while remaining committed to the safety, reliability, and operational excellence that have defined the company throughout the decades.

Early spraying days with a Grumman Ag aircraft - 1954

An Air Spray Stearman biplane used for wildfire control in 1958.

One of Air Spray's TBM Avenger airtankers.

One of Air Spray's original crews with Tanker 2 - CF-PGP.

A Cessna 310 used as a bird dog in the 1970s.

One of Air Spray's B26s dropping a load of retardant - 1978).

Air Spray's fleet at the Red Deer Regional Airport in Alberta in the mid-1970s.