Around Singapore, there is a new program to convert Boeing 757s into aerial firefighting aircrafts. They have signed a contract with Galactic Holdings to convert some of the 757s into firefighting airplanes. This is the first time something like this has been done, and in all honesty, it may not be the last.

This project has been named the 757 Passeneger-To-Tanker program, or 757P2T. The conversions will require deep modifications and changes, and will primarily involve work done to the airframe.

Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace, provided a statement on the program. “We are excited to be working with Galactic Holdings in this new endeavor of repurposing passenger aircraft into flying fire trucks. In addition to breathing new life into otherwise retired aircraft, we are glad that we can tap our expertise in aircraft conversion to develop innovative solutions to be used in the crucial fight against forest and wildfires that are increasing in numbers in various hotspots across the world.”

This new agreement will allow these aircrafts to carry 7,000 gallons of substance on an entire trip. This new aircraft will have the most up-to-date, modern dispensing system in the entire world.

When it enters the service in 2024, it will become the largest firefighting platform available in the market. With wildfires rising over 10% in 2019, the need for these aircrafts could increase further in the future.