COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The Colorado Springs Airport will house the largest firefighting aircraft in the country.
The Gazette reports that the newly formed company Global SuperTanker Services LLC announced Wednesday that it plans to park and fuel a 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter at the airport. The aircraft can carry up to 19,600 gallons of retardant or water for 4,000 miles.
The SuperTanker deal comes after Colorado Springs lost a bid this spring to house the state's Center for Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting, a major fire research facility.
Officials say the plane still needs approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is expected in October. The plane should be flying by the end of this year.
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