Q400MRE airtanker added to SPSA air fleet

November 03, 2026

Media Release, Gov't SK

Key points from this story:

• New Q400MRE airtanker strengthens response capabilities
• First in Canada to add Q400MRE to fleet
• Improves effectiveness over legacy airtankers
• Supports firefighting and emergency missions
• Induction and training for service preparation
• Designed for year-round emergency management

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) celebrated an important achievement with the arrival of a Dash-8 Q400 Multi-Role Emergency Response (Q400MRE) airtanker, strengthening the province's wildfire and emergency response capabilities.

Unveiled at the Regina International Airport, the Q400MRE is a land-based airtanker that will join the SPSA air fleet based in La Ronge.

The SPSA is the first jurisdiction in Canada to add the Q400MRE to its fleet. The SPSA previously added a Dash 8-Q400AT, a dedicated airtanker, which entered service in the summer of 2025.

The Q400MRE delivers improved effectiveness, reliability and efficiency over the legacy CV580 airtanker fleet. The Q400MRE is fitted as an airtanker and the inside cabin can be reconfigured to provide multiple roles for air operations.

"The Dash 8-Q400MRE combines the firefighting capability of a modern airtanker with the flexibility of a passenger, cargo, evacuation and medical transport aircraft, making it one of the most versatile emergency response aircraft in service today," Community Safety Minister and Minister Responsible for the SPSA Michael Weger said. "The addition of this aircraft to the fleet will strengthen the province's capacity to respond quickly and effectively to wildfires and emergency events, protecting communities across Saskatchewan."

The Q400MRE will undergo induction, training and certification to prepare for service. With the arrival of the Q400MRE, one CV580 airtanker will be retired as part of the planned fleet transition. With the induction of the Q400MRE and completion of fleet maintenance activities, SPSA's air operations will be well positioned for the 2027 wildfire season.

"Designed to be far more than a traditional airtanker, the Dash-8 Q400MRE is a highly versatile asset due to its ability to quickly switch between wildfire suppression and emergency response missions," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. "It provides a year-round emergency management asset, rather than an aircraft used only during wildfire season. This aircraft has the ability to support fire suppression in the summer, emergency evacuations and transportation or medevac missions when required throughout the year."

As Canada's first Q400MRE, this aircraft represents a significant milestone in emergency response aviation. The SPSA has begun the process of working with Transport Canada to establish the operating specifications and programs required to fully integrate the aircraft into the air fleet. While the aircraft is certified for wildfire operations, some limitations on its multirole capabilities are expected during its initial introduction to service next year.

Q400MRE QUICK FACTS