The government has estimated that by June all aircraft will be able to fly, according to a report by Lusa News Agency.


The National Operational Directive said that the “Level 2” reinforcement phase, which is to take place until 31 May, will have 38 aircraft, including an Air Force helicopter to be activated when needed.


However, there are 17 aircraft, which still “depend on compliance with the Public Procurement Code and the issuance of the Court of Auditors’ prior approval for each contract,” the ministry of national defence told Lusa, saying that there is an expectation that “aircraft will be available as soon as possible.”


This year, the firefighting operation expects to have 61 aircraft in all, including a helicopter for the island of Madeira, five more than in 2018.
Also, this year, the Air Force is for the first time going to head the management and control of air resources to combat rural fires.