Viking Air will provide the right customer support to operators who, given the aircraft's unique firefighting capabilities, play an essential role in the protection of communities, environment, resources and wildlife. Bombardier's amphibious aircraft are emblematic of Canada and are the backbone of many firefighting operations around the world. The Bombardier 415 was launched in 1994 and drew on the success of the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions to establish itself as the only purposely built and best firefighting aircraft in the world. Close to 170 Bombardier amphibious aircraft are in service worldwide. Plans are underway to transfer the 50 Amphibious Aircraft program employees to other parts of the Bombardier organization following the completion of an orderly transition of the business.