Coulson announces B767 VLAT-program
On 22 December 2025, Coulson Aviation announced the launch of its Boeing B767 Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) program. The company is doing this to provide a "sustainable replacement for legacy VLAT platforms nearing the end of their operational service life". Especially the recent grounding of the DC-10 and MD-11 has prompted Coulson Aviation into action.
The B767 VLAT will feature Coulson's largest iteration of its patented fire retardant delivery mechanism, which it already uses on its B737s. The B767 will also have up to 160 seats, enabling it to be a more capable large aerial firefighting aircraft than current ones.
Coulson Aviation hasn't announced when it plans to have its first B767 converted and operational. According to the press-release, it will "complement and augment" its current fleet of Lockheed C-130s and B737 Fireliners.
The Coulson VLAT-program is the second one that sees the conversion of B767s into aerial firefighters. Earlier in July 2025, IAI also announced a conversion plan.
Illustration by Coulson Aviation.