OUR HISTORY

​Over the decades, we’ve grown into one of the most experienced aerial firefighting operators in the world, expanding our fleet, advancing our technology, and refining our 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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STEARMANS AND TBM AVENGERS

Air Spray Ltd. was originally incorporated in 1954 as a crop spraying company in the Wetaskiwin, Alberta area.  It later expanded into mosquito control with a contract awarded by the City of Edmonton in 1956. However, in the meantime, the aerial wildfire suppression industry was in its infancy, with government agencies seeking a solution to the ever-growing problem of controlling wildfires that destroy timber and threaten communities. In response to this need, Air Spray Ltd. was one of a handful of companies in North America that shut down its crop spraying operations and converted its aircraft to fight wildfires. With the conversion of two Stearman biplane aircraft to the Airtanker role, Air Spray Ltd. was awarded the first-ever aerial wildfire suppression contract issued by the Alberta Government. This contract continued until 1961, when Air Spray Ltd. switched to the larger and faster TBM Avenger aircraft to provide Alberta with Airtanker services.

THE A26/B26 AIRTANKER

While the TBM Avenger was a relatively effective Airtanker, the industry was looking to a next-generation alternative in the form of a faster, medium-sized, twin-engine aircraft. The A26 and its variant, the B26, were identified as the ideal aircraft to become an airtanker. Built in the United States between 1944 and 1945 and used extensively during the Korean War, its powerful twin Rolls-Royce engines provided the aircraft with speed and the ability to carry a large payload of fire retardant. It also came equipped with a bomb bay, ideal for installing a tank to hold the retardant. Several companies throughout North America recognized the potential of the A26, and the industry rapidly grew, with dozens of A26S converted to airtankers during the 1960s and 1970s.

A NEW INVESTOR

Unfortunately, the conversion cost of the A26 was high, and while the company could afford to purchase the aircraft,  Air Spray needed cash to complete the project. The person who provided the cash turned out to be Alberta bush pilot and entrepreneur Don Hamilton.

Having experience flying throughout Northern Alberta in the 1950s, Don Hamilton witnessed the devastation wildfires caused to vast areas of forests and recognized the incredible benefit of using aircraft to fight them. Don also had savings from his air transport business, which flew between the Edmonton Municipal Airport and northern communities, and thought an investment in the company looked like a good opportunity. With the investment, the A26 conversion was completed, and Air Spray was awarded a contract with the Alberta government to fight fires with the newly converted A26-Tanker #1 - CF - PGF. The first year proved to be a success, and Don offered to buy the entire company. The purchase was agreed upon, and now, as the sole owner of the renamed Air Spay (1967) Ltd., Don began in earnest to develop an Airtanker fleet.

THE L188 ELECTRA

The company continued to grow over the years with contracts awarded for fighting fires in the Yukon Territories and provinces throughout Canada. During the 1970s, Air Spray owned and operated twenty-two A26 aircraft as Airtankers. However, while the aircraft were successful throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Air Spray's government customers began requiring newer and faster aircraft able to carry larger loads of retardant to fires at longer distances. The B-26s were eventually retired and replaced with four-engine turboprop Lockheed L-188 Electras, which offer tremendous power, endurance, and four-engine safety, making them ideal for operating in Alberta and BC. 

CL215 AMPHIBIOUS SKIMMERS

In 1984, Don Hamilton had the opportunity to purchase a fleet of four CL215 skimmers, making it the first private operator of the aircraft in the world. Later, Air Spray won a contract to operate the same CL215 airframe for the Province of Alberta. Building on this experience, Air Spray currently operates three CL215s, four 215Ts and four CL415s for the Provinces of Alberta and Manitoba, making it the world's largest and most experienced operator of the CL series skimmers.

A FAMILY BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE
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Throughout the years, Don grew the business with a dedication to providing safe, reliable, and effective airtanker services to all of Air Spray's customers. Unfortunately, Don Hamilton passed away in 2011 at the age of 86, just two months after being inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame. With his passing, the ownership of the company passed to his daughter, Lynn Hamilton. Recently, Don's grandson, Jack, has also joined the business. Utilizing his skills as a Certified Public Accountant, he is a valuable custodian of his grandfather's legacy. As the company continues to grow with the addition of new aircraft, technologies, and global customers, Air Spray looks forward to maintaining our reputation for aerial wildfire control excellence.  
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An Air Spray Stearman biplane used for wildfire control (circa 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 birddog in the 1970s.

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

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