Sardinia: Two firefighting aircraft dispatched by Cyprus have successfully landed in Sardinia after experiencing delays at stopover airports. These aircraft are part of Cyprus's response to a request from France for assistance in combating significant wildfires, and they are scheduled to depart for France at 0900 local time on Tuesday, as stated by Chief Fire Officer Nikos Logginos.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the aircraft faced delays during their journey but have now safely landed in Sardinia. Logginos confirmed, "The two aircraft, due to delays at stopover airports, have landed in Sardinia and will depart for France tomorrow at 0900."
The deployment of these Air Tractor firefighting aircraft was initiated following a request from France through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. They left Cyprus at 0630 local time on Monday, with a mission to aid in controlling extensive wildfires. The aircraft, named Forest 3 and Forest 4, embarked with two pilots, one observer, and one engineer on board, heading towards Perpignan.
An eight-member support team, traveling separately on a commercial flight, has already arrived in France as of Monday afternoon. Once the aircraft reach their destination, the crews will collaborate with the French Civil Protection authorities and potentially commence operations, contingent on operational needs and prevailing fire conditions.
The aircraft are leased to the Republic of Cyprus by the European Union under the rescEU programme and are stationed in Cyprus. The European Union Civil Protection Mechanism facilitates swift mutual assistance among member states during emergencies.