This article is based on an official press release and company story from Airbus.

Airtelis Deploys Super Puma Fleet for Critical Firefighting and Disaster Relief Missions

Airtelis, a wholly-owned subsidiary of France’s electricity transmission network operator RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité), has expanded its operational scope beyond power grid maintenance to include vital public service missions. According to a recent feature released by Airbus, the operator is increasingly utilizing its fleet of H225 Super Puma helicopters for emergency response, ranging from combating wildfires in urban environments to reconstructing infrastructure following natural disasters.

While Airtelis was originally established to support the construction and maintenance of high-voltage power lines, the heavy-lift capabilities of the H225 have made it a strategic asset for the French State. The aircraft’s ability to switch rapidly between utility configurations and firefighting modes allows Airtelis to support the Sécurité Civile and the Ministry of Interior during crises.

Combating Urban Wildfires in Marseille

In July 2025, the south of France faced severe wildfire conditions exacerbated by high winds and rugged terrain. A massive blaze struck the Les Pennes-Mirabeau and Marseille areas, threatening urban centers. Airtelis deployed its Super Puma assets to assist ground and aerial teams in extinguishing the fire.

According to the Airbus report, the operation lasted between eight and nine hours. During this intense window, the Airtelis crew dropped approximately 500,000 liters of water using a 4,500-liter bucket suspended from a 30-meter sling. The mission was complicated by the fire’s encroachment into the city, requiring pilots to navigate through smoke and near critical infrastructure.

Precision Near Power Lines

Stéphane Lucchini, an Airtelis pilot who flew the H225 during the intervention, highlighted a specific challenge that aligned perfectly with the operator’s core expertise: flying near high-voltage wires. In the company release, Lucchini noted that the team had to identify power lines through the smoke to drop water safely between the wires without causing a collision.

“The H225 is particularly well-suited for this type of scenario. It’s a fabulous machine, as it’s very powerful. We also benefit from high-precision automation features, which actively help reduce our workload.”

, Stéphane Lucchini, Airtelis Pilot (via Airbus Newsroom)

Disaster Relief Following Cyclone Garance

Beyond firefighting, the fleet’s versatility was tested in March 2025 following the impact of Cyclone Garance on La Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. The storm caused widespread damage to the island’s electrical grid, necessitating an urgent response to restore power to residents.

Airtelis transported an H225 and its crew from Marignane, France, to the island to assist in the reconstruction efforts. Laurent Giolitti, Executive President of Airtelis, described the mission as a logistical success that demonstrated the company’s ability to deploy long-range assets quickly.

The “Flying Crane” Role

Operating on La Réunion for six weeks, the Super Puma functioned as a “flying crane,” a role essential for accessing areas where roads had been destroyed or blocked by debris. The aircraft delivered the equivalent of six containers of equipment to the island, facilitating temporary access to power sources.

Giolitti emphasized the importance of the aircraft’s lifting capacity in these scenarios. The Super Puma can lift up to 4.5 tonnes (approximately 4.75 tonnes on an external sling), allowing it to transport heavy generators and transmission tower components into hard-to-reach worksites.

“Successfully coordinating the ground and aerial teams’ efforts on the power grid is a highly specialised task, and the Super Puma keeps rising to the challenge.”

, Laurent Giolitti, Executive President of Airtelis (via Airbus Newsroom)

AirPro News Analysis

The deployment of utility helicopters for public safety missions represents a growing trend in public-private resource sharing. Airtelis’s integration into state emergency operations highlights a unique synergy: the specific skills required for high-voltage grid maintenance,such as precision hovering and obstacle avoidance near wires,are directly transferable to complex urban firefighting.

Furthermore, the use of heavy-lift aircraft like the H225 allows for a dual-capability model. By day, these aircraft serve commercial utility roles for RTE; during national emergencies, they provide the heavy water-bombing and cargo capacity that standard law enforcement or light utility helicopters cannot match. This flexibility maximizes the return on investment for expensive heavy-lift airframes while bolstering national resilience against climate-related disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of Airtelis?

Airtelis is a subsidiary of RTE (France’s electricity transmission operator) focused on aerial work for the construction, maintenance, and surveillance of high-voltage power lines. It also leases its fleet for public service missions.

What is the water capacity of the H225 Super Puma?

When configured for firefighting, the H225 utilized by Airtelis carries a water bucket with a capacity of approximately 4,000 to 4,500 liters.

How much weight can the H225 lift?

The H225 Super Puma has a lifting capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes, making it suitable for heavy infrastructure transport and “flying crane” operations.

Sources

• Airbus