Kepplair Evolution and Amelia Develop ATR 72 Water Bomber for La Réunion

This article is based on an official press release from Kepplair Evolution, supplemented by industry research data.

We are tracking a significant development in the European aerial firefighting and civil protection sector. French aeronautical Startups Kepplair Evolution and established French air operator Amelia (Regourd Aviation) have officially signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for two ATR 72 conversion kits. According to a joint press release, these kits will transform the regional turboprops into multi-role water bomber Commercial-Aircraft, designated as the Kepplair 72 “Forest Keeper.”

The strategic Partnerships is directly aimed at an ambitious call for projects launched by Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport in La Réunion. The territory, which is highly exposed to natural hazards such as cyclones and wildfires, is seeking modern, responsive, and versatile aerial solutions to serve the Grand Sud region. By combining Kepplair Evolution’s engineering with Amelia’s operational expertise, the companies aim to deliver a 100% French and European solution to address territorial resilience challenges.

In the official announcement, company leaders emphasized the core mission behind the collaboration:

“To provide civil protection stakeholders with a modern, versatile and responsive aerial capability.”

, David Joubert (Kepplair Evolution) & Alain Regourd (Amelia)

The Kepplair 72 “Forest Keeper” Solution

Technical Capabilities and the KIOS System

According to industry research detailing the project, the Kepplair 72 is based on the widely utilized ATR 72-600 regional turboprop platform. The core of its firefighting capability relies on the KIOS Drop System. Developed in collaboration with the Toulouse Institute of Fluid Mechanics (IMFT) and patented in 2019, the KIOS system utilizes a semi-pressurized drop mechanism. Research data indicates this ensures a constant flow rate, allowing water or fire retardant to be dispersed more uniformly than traditional gravity-based systems.

The aircraft is designed to carry approximately 7,500 to 10,000 liters of water or retardant when configured as a water bomber. Furthermore, the ATR 72 platform offers distinct operational advantages for island territories. Industry specifications note that the aircraft can take off and land on runways shorter than 1,200 meters even when fully loaded, enabling access to smaller airstrips in the Indian Ocean region, such as Rodrigues or Sainte-Marie, where standard jets cannot safely operate.

The “Quick Change” Multi-Role Advantage

A primary feature highlighted in the press release is the aircraft’s versatility. The Kepplair 72 utilizes a “Quick Change” concept, allowing it to be reconfigured in approximately 48 hours to serve various missions beyond firefighting. Based on technical specifications provided in the research report, the aircraft can be adapted for:

• Cargo Transport: Capable of carrying up to 9.5 tonnes of freight.
• Medical Evacuation (Medevac): Accommodating up to 6 medicalized stretchers alongside 32 passengers.
• Passenger Transport: Carrying up to 64 passengers in a standard configuration.

Addressing the Aerial Firefighting Crisis

A European Alternative to Aging Fleets

The development of the Kepplair 72 comes at a critical time. Industry data shows that over a million hectares burned in Europe in early 2025 alone, exacerbating a global shortage of modern firefighting fleets. Traditional purpose-built water bombers, such as the aging Canadair fleet, take an estimated 8 to 10 years to develop at costs exceeding €1 billion. By utilizing an existing, proven platform like the ATR 72, Kepplair Evolution aims to reduce development time to just three years.

Financial momentum for the project appears strong. According to recent industry reports, Kepplair Evolution successfully raised €5 million in late 2025 and early 2026, with backing from aviation broker Avico, to finalize the design and secure European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Certification. The companies are targeting the Delivery of the first fully operational aircraft before the summer fire season of 2027.

Strategic Deployment in La Réunion

The LOI signed by Amelia, an operator with a fleet of 20 aircraft and decades of experience since its founding in 1976, specifically targets the needs of La Réunion. Historically, the region has relied on Dash 8 aircraft for civil protection and medical transfers. By securing two Kepplair 72 aircraft, the partnership aims to provide a permanent aerial firefighting capacity while allowing for doubled logistical reinforcements during major regional crises, such as cyclones.

AirPro News analysis

We view the Kepplair 72 project as a highly pragmatic response to the economic challenges of aerial firefighting. A major financial drawback of traditional, purpose-built water bombers is that they sit idle outside of the fire season, creating a seasonal financial burden for operators and governments. The multi-role “Quick Change” capability of the Kepplair 72 fundamentally alters this economic model. By allowing the aircraft to generate revenue through cargo and passenger transport during the off-season, the platform becomes economically viable year-round.

Furthermore, the press release claims a 30% reduction in costs. This figure aligns with broader aviation industry data regarding the fuel efficiency and established global maintenance ecosystem of the ATR 72 turboprop compared to specialized or jet-powered aircraft. If Kepplair Evolution and Amelia can successfully meet their 2027 EASA certification and delivery targets, this 100% European solution could serve as a blueprint for other regions struggling with the escalating costs of climate-driven natural disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kepplair 72?
The Kepplair 72, nicknamed the “Forest Keeper,” is a multi-role aircraft based on the ATR 72-600 turboprop. It is designed to be quickly reconfigured for aerial firefighting, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and passenger flights.

Who are the companies involved?
Kepplair Evolution is a French aeronautical startup based in Toulouse, responsible for designing the conversion kit and the KIOS drop system. Amelia (Regourd Aviation) is a French air operator founded in 1976 that has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire two of these conversion kits.

When will the aircraft be operational?
According to industry reports, Kepplair Evolution is currently finalizing EASA certification, with the goal of delivering the first fully operational aircraft before the summer fire season of 2027.

Sources

• Kepplair Evolution Official Press Release (LinkedIn)