Neptune Aviation has announced the installation of a state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) machining centre at its Missoula facility, aimed at enhancing in-house production capabilities for aerial firefighting aircraft. The Hermle C 400 Gen 2, the first of its kind in Montana, will allow the company to manufacture aerospace-grade components with high precision, reducing its dependence on external suppliers and accelerating its ongoing transition to a new aircraft platform.
The investment comes as Neptune shifts from the BAe 146 to the Airbus A319 as its primary airtanker. The A319 offers increased fuel and fire retardant capacity, and Neptune is currently the only aerial firefighting company operating this platform. The new machining system will enable the fabrication of highly customised components specific to Neptune’s configuration of the A319. According to Support Shop Manager Pierre Blouin, in-house production eliminates the delays and added costs of outsourcing parts, allowing the company to complete maintenance more efficiently.
In addition to supporting its own fleet, Neptune Aviation plans to use the Hermle C 400 to develop parts for external clients. Initial efforts will target aviation repair stations, with the company already receiving multiple requests for proposals. Neptune also aims to expand into the broader aerospace market, including contracts with NASA and private industry players, with a long-term goal of entering the industrial contract manufacturing sector.
As a certified repair station, Neptune can provide full documentation, including traceability and compliance paperwork, for both custom and batch production. This quality assurance infrastructure supports the company’s plans to build trust with external customers and scale its manufacturing operations.
Machine Shop Lead Seth Cohen described the installation as the start of a wider investment strategy. The company is actively recruiting skilled machinists to expand its team and maximize the potential of the new equipment. Cohen highlighted that with cutting-edge machinery like the Hermle C 400, Neptune is creating a competitive, high-performance production environment ready to meet the demands of both internal operations and external contracts.
Director of Maintenance Clifford Lynn emphasized the strategic impact of the new system, stating that it represents more than an equipment upgrade—it is a significant leap forward for Neptune Aviation. The Hermle C 400 will not only increase in-house production capabilities but also position the company to pursue new revenue opportunities across the aviation and aerospace industries.
