Farewell to the Beloved Martin Mars Water BombersFarewell to the Beloved Martin Mars Water Bombers The Coulson Group in the Alberni Valley has bid farewell to the iconic Martin Mars Water Bombers, marking the end of an era. These aircraft have long been a cherished sight in the skies over Vancouver Island. New Contracts for the Coulson Group The decision to part ways with the Martin Mars comes as the Coulson Group has secured a new firefighting contract in British Columbia and a significant multi-year contract in Australia. These contracts represent a substantial expansion for the company, which is now the largest aircraft firefighting company in the world. Fond Farewell from Aviation Enthusiasts On Wednesday, one of the Martin Mars took to the skies over Sproat Lake for one last flight with paying passengers. Peter Killin, a pilot with over 1,000 hours of experience on the bombers, spoke of the plane’s uniqueness and the bittersweet nature of its final departure. Hawaii Mars’ Final Destination Before its retirement, the Coulson Group is offering a special opportunity for the public to experience a flight on the Hawaii Mars. This iconic aircraft is set to make its final voyage to the BC Aviation Museum in Victoria in mid to late August. A New Era for the Coulson Group While the Martin Mars era comes to an end, the Coulson Group is poised for continued growth. The company’s new contracts in Australia and BC will allow it to expand its services and meet the increasing demand for firefighting aircraft. Continued Support for Firefighting Efforts In addition to its international operations, the Coulson Group remains committed to providing firefighting support in British Columbia. The company’s heavy-lift helicopter will play a vital role in supporting firefighting efforts over the next two months. Positive Outlook for the Company Despite the departure of the Martin Mars, the Coulson Group is optimistic about its future. The company’s diversified operations and expertise in aircraft firefighting position it for success as demand for these services is expected to double over the next decade. Preserving the Legacy The Hawaii Mars and Philippine Mars will be preserved in museums, ensuring that their legacy and the memories of their service to firefighting will live on.
The Coulson Group in the Alberni Valley begins a new era, saying goodbye to the Martin Mars Water Bombers, beloved by aviation enthusiasts and others across Vancouver Island.
It comes as the firefighting aircraft company has secured a new firefighting contract in British Columbia, as well as a major multi-year contract in Australia.
On Wednesday, one of the Martin Mars Water Bombers again soared over Sproat Lake.
Five paying passengers were aboard the Hawaii Mars, built in the 1940s, as the vessel taxied across the lake while a number of interested boaters walked nearby.
Coulson offers this experience before the plane makes its final flight to a museum in Victoria.
“It’s unique. It’s the biggest plane I’ve ever flown and will ever fly,” said Peter Killin.
Killin has logged more than 1,000 hours of flying time on the bombers since 2000. He is part of the crew that prepares the water bombers to leave the valley.
“It’s pretty special. You know, the end is unfortunately near. We’re trying to do our best and enjoy it,” Killin said.
Watch the full story below:
Sondra Austin shot video of the Hawaii March skimming over the lake. He says the experience brought back memories.
“You drop everything. You run outside and you look at them, so it’s magical to see it,” she said. “No matter how many times you see it, it never gets old.”
Wayne Coulson, CEO and founder of the Coulson Group, says there has been a lot of interest in the Martin Mars Water Bombers’ latest party.
“People can jump on it and drive around the lake, we can do a quick taxi ride with it, so that’ll be pretty cool before she goes to her resting place,” Coulson said.
READ MORE: ‘It’s an honor’: Retired water bomber pilots fly to Mars on final mission to Victoria Museum
As one era ends for the Coulson Group, another begins.
The company has been operating in Australia for 22 years, but this week it announced a new 10-year, $375 million contract with Australia’s New South Wales Rural Fire Service. The Coulson Group will manage, operate and maintain their fleet of 13 aircraft, with the flexibility to move the aircraft throughout Australian winters.
“It really gives us a great opportunity to take the equipment out of Australia and offer it to the North American market,” Coulson said.
And while it has been doing that in California for years, Coulson says the company has landed another BC firefighting contract that begins next week. Its heavy-lift helicopter will support BC firefighting efforts for the next two months.
“It’s great to come home, right? We’re really excited to be able to compete here in the province,” Coulson said.
Coulson says in some ways it’s positive that the company, now the largest aircraft firefighting company in the world, has grown outside of Canada.
“Because we were able to create and build outside the province and now have a lot to offer when we return.”
Coulson says the company, which employs 200 people at its Alberni Valley base, is in a positive position as demand for firefighting aircraft is expected to double over the next decade.
The Hawaii Mars is expected to make its final voyage to the BC Aviation Museum in Victoria in mid to late August.
The Philippine March will go to an American museum.
Editorial Policy Report an error
