![Une dizaine de Canadair serait disponible, selon le PDG de Sabena Technics. [Gauthier Bedrignans / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/160330436/103491f7554b5b3f554ae12bd7cf3fb37e973ba11b4478875f45696bf1ff5645)
Overview
- Late July press and union statements reported lower operational counts for France’s Canadair water-bombers, saying seven were available on July 27 and only five the prior weekend.
- Sabena Technics responded in a company letter saying it met the civil-security roadmap for the start of the season, with 10 of 12 Canadair, 7 of 8 Dash aircraft, and 3 Beech delivered by mid-June.
- The company said it has increased spare-part stocks and staffing, invested €1.7 million in parts in 2026 and spent €1.2 million in 2025 to modernize systems and add mechanics.
- Sabena also reported an 81% rise in flight hours since June 15 (2,464 hours) and a 10% year-on-year improvement in Canadair availability, while warning that the type is a niche, out-of-production model.
- The dispute heightens pressure on the government’s high availability target and could push scrutiny of the exclusive long-term maintenance contract and plans for parts supply or fleet renewal.