Ayşe Akalın: Columbia Helicopters is recognized as a global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations. What are the key competitive advantages that set your company apart? 

Joe Macci: Columbia is known worldwide for reliable, mission-ready aircraft and unmatched performance in heavy-lift operations.  

The key competitive advantages we would highlight are:  

• We have over 60 years of experience and a global presence, adapting to local needs through strategic partnerships - like CMC in Türkiye. 

• Our tandem-rotor standard category helicopters offer unmatched lift (up to 28,000 lbs) and are field-proven in firefighting, disaster recovery, and infrastructure support. 

• As the FAA Type Certificate and Production Certificate holder for the Model 234 and 107-II, we control the entire aircraft lifecycle— from design and production to maintenance and operation —ensuring high fleet reliability and performance. 

 Ayşe Akalın: How is your growth strategy evolving in Türkiye and other international markets? 

Joe Macci: We’re focused on building long-term partnerships, expanding our mission capabilities, and meeting global demand. In Türkiye, we’ve doubled our deployed Chinooks since 2021, reinforcing our support for the country’s wildfire response. We’re targeting growth in North America, Asia, and Australia, where aerial support needs are rising fast. New aircraft like our 107-III and 234SP are part of our strategy to modernize and enhance performance. 

 Ayşe Akalın: As the FAA Type and Production Certificate holder for the Model 234 Chinook and 107-II helicopters, what are the biggest advantages you offer in terms of MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services? 

Joe Macci: Our MRO services are built on decades of operational experience and full lifecycle control. Our control of the supply chain gives us fast access to proprietary parts and minimizes downtime. 

• Our FAA-approved repair station, backed by 200+ skilled technicians, delivers everything from sustainment to upgrades. 

• As operators ourselves, we understand real-world maintenance needs and tailor our support accordingly. 

• Our focus is on responsiveness and mission-readiness—ensuring our aircraft are always available and reliable.

 Ayşe Akalın: Columbia Helicopters and CMC Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. are entering their fifth year of collaboration. How would you describe this long-term partnership? 

Joe Macci: This partnership is a core part of our success in Türkiye—it’s built on trust and results.  

• Since 2021, we’ve grown from two to four Chinooks supporting Türkiye’s Forestry Directorate through 2027. 

• CMC brings critical expertise in the local defense and firefighting space, complementing our strengths. 

• Together, we’ve helped respond to a 29% rise in wildfire incidents—protecting lives and property. (Fire incidents up from 2,950 in 2020 to 3,800 in 2024) 

• With strong results and leadership alignment, we see opportunities to expand into broader multi-mission roles.  

 Ayşe Akalın: How many Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopters will be deployed for the 2025 wildfire season, and how will the operational process be managed? 

Joe Macci: We’re deploying four—possibly five—Model 234 Chinooks for the 2025–2027 seasons. Each aircraft carries a 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for precise water drops.  The program is managed with our long-term partner CMC, under contract with Türkiye’s Forestry Directorate.  We provide aircraft, expert crews, and dedicated maintenance support to keep operations running at full tempo. Our team works closely with Turkish forestry teams, using a proven model refined over recent seasons. 

 Ayşe Akalın: What are the key advantages of using the Bambi Bucket system for aerial firefighting in Türkiye? 

Joe Macci: We would call out five key advantages:  

• The 2,600-gallon Power Fill Bambi Bucket allows maximum water or retardant delivery per drop—crucial for suppressing large-scale wildfires in Türkiye. 

• Four high-speed pumps refill the bucket in under 90 seconds – even from sources as shallow as 18 inches, such as ponds or streams. 

• Variable lift capability lets us optimize payload throughout the mission—maximizing lift as fuel burns. 

• It outperforms smaller bucket systems by delivering more firepower per trip, reducing turnaround time and boosting efficiency. 

• It proved its worth in Türkiye’s intense 2024 wildfire season, especially in rugged and hard to reach areas. 

 Ayşe Akalın: What are the most important lessons learned from past wildfire response operations in Türkiye? 

Joe Macci: Past wildfire seasons in Türkiye, particularly the intense 2024 season, have underscored several key lessons.  Fires have increased 29% since 2020—making speed and capacity more critical than ever – this is a good match for our Chinooks.  We've learned to fine-tune coordination with Turkish forestry teams to ensure accurate drops and clear expectations. Expanding from two to five aircraft taught us how to scale logistics and maintenance for sustained operations. In extreme heat, using shallow water sources helped us maintain tempo despite tough conditions. 

 Ayşe Akalın: What innovations and advancements do you foresee in helicopter technology for firefighting operations? 

Joe Macci: The future of helicopter firefighting technology lies in four key areas:  

1. Use of larger tanks to boost drop efficiency. 

2. New aircraft like the 107-III and 234SP will include glass cockpits and auto flight controls for better safety and precision. 

3. Adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and carbon-reduction practices will support greener operations. 

4. Autonomous or semi-autonomous operations may well play a bigger role, easing pilot workload in complex missions. 

 Ayşe Akalın: How does Türkiye fit into Columbia Helicopters' broader market strategy? Do you have plans to expand partnerships in the region? 

Joe Macci: Türkiye is a strategic market with rising wildfire risks and a clear demand for heavy-lift capability.  Our five-year partnership with CMC Savunma Sanayi has built a strong foundation, supporting the Turkish Forestry Directorate with four Chinooks for 2025. We see potential to expand into multi-mission roles, including disaster relief and infrastructure support. Türkiye’s location also positions it as a gateway to growth in the Middle East and Europe. We’re looking at additional local partnerships to scale logistics, training, and technology integration. 

 Ayşe Akalın: Are you involved in wildfire response projects in other countries? Which regions are your key growth targets? 

Joe Macci: Yes – we operate globally, including the U.S., Canada and Türkiye. Key growth markets include Asia (e.g., South Korea), Australia, South America, and Southern Europe. 

• Rising fire risks in these regions are driving demand – and creating strong opportunities for our aircraft and MRO services 

 Ayşe Akalın: Can you share insights into Columbia Helicopters' sustainability initiatives and environmental responsibility efforts? 

Joe Macci: Sustainability is at the heart of our mission and operational decision making.  Our staff are trained to apply eco-conscious practices across global operations. We are investing in fuel-efficient technologies, such as modernized avionics and flight control systems in our newer models to reduce emissions.  High-capacity Bambi Buckets lower flight hours and fuel use during firefighting missions