Bridger Aerospace Acquires Two Canadair CL-215T Aircraft for Wildfire Season

Bridger Aerospace Expands Global Fleet with Strategic Acquisition

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER) has officially entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft. Valued at $50 million, this transaction marks a significant milestone for the company as it solidifies its position as the largest private operator of “Super Scooper” aircraft in the world. The Acquisitions is not merely a purchase of assets but a calculated expansion designed to meet the escalating demands of aerial firefighting.

The agreement, established with MAB Funding, LLC, is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. By securing these assets now, we observe that Bridger Aerospace is positioning itself to have the aircraft fully operational for the 2026 wildfire season. This timing is critical, as it aligns with the company’s strategy to bid on new contracts and address the growing needs of federal and state agencies facing increasingly volatile fire seasons.

This move increases Bridger’s dedicated Super Scooper fleet from six to eight aircraft, representing a 33% expansion in capacity. As the aerial firefighting industry faces pressure to modernize and expand rapid-response capabilities, this acquisition underscores a commitment to maintaining operational readiness and fleet leadership on a global scale.

Transaction Details and Operational Impact

The seller in this transaction is MAB Funding, LLC, a joint venture partnership that includes Bridger Aerospace, Marathon Asset Management LP, and Eyre Street Capital. Because Bridger is a partner in this venture, the acquisition is classified as a related-party transaction. This structure initially allowed the aircraft to be secured from the Spanish government without Bridger immediately bearing the full capital cost on its balance sheet. Now, as the aircraft approach operational readiness, they are being fully integrated into Bridger’s proprietary fleet.

The two Canadair CL-215T Commercial-Aircraft are slated for deployment in the 2026 wildfire season. Management has indicated that these assets have the potential to drive substantial new revenue and cash flow growth. The focus remains on “Initial Attack” capabilities, striking wildfires early to prevent them from expanding into uncontainable mega-fires. The Super Scooper is uniquely suited for this mission profile due to its ability to refill without returning to an airport.

The Super Scooper is the only purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft capable of scooping up to 1,412 gallons of water in approximately 12 seconds from nearby water sources.

Technical Analysis: CL-215T vs. CL-415EAF

To understand the significance of this acquisition, it is essential to distinguish the newly acquired CL-215T models from Bridger’s existing fleet of CL-415EAFs. Both airframes are derived from the robust Canadair CL-215 design, but they feature distinct technical specifications. The CL-215T is a turbine conversion of the original piston-engine airframe, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW123AF turboprop engines. This upgrade provides significantly more power and reliability than the original piston engines, making it a highly capable firefighting asset.

However, the CL-215T differs from the “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” (EAF) standard found in the rest of Bridger’s fleet. The CL-415EAF typically features a modernized “Glass Cockpit” with EFIS Avionics and a 4-door water drop system that allows for higher flow rates. in contrast, the CL-215T generally utilizes analog avionics and a 2-door water drop system. Despite these differences, the CL-215T remains a formidable tool for rapid water delivery, particularly in regions with accessible water sources.

In addition to the two aircraft being purchased, we note that two additional Super Scoopers owned by the MAB partnership remain in Spain at the Albacete Aero subsidiary. These units are currently undergoing return-to-service work targeted for completion in 2026. Bridger Aerospace retains the option to evaluate integrating these additional aircraft into the fleet upon their completion, suggesting potential for further expansion.

Financial Context and Market Environment

This acquisition occurs against a backdrop of strong financial performance for Bridger Aerospace. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of $67.9 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, and a net income of $34.5 million, up 26% from the previous year. The company also raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $118 million to $123 million. These figures suggest a stable financial foundation supporting the $50 million capital investment required for the new aircraft.

The Evolving Wildfire Landscape

The strategic rationale for expanding the fleet is further validated by current wildfire trends. Data from the 2024 and 2025 fire seasons reveal a paradox: while the absolute number of individual fires has seen a slight decrease compared to historical averages, the total acreage burned has increased significantly. This shift indicates a prevalence of “mega-fires,” blazes exceeding 100,000 acres that are exceptionally difficult to contain once established.

Furthermore, the traditional “fire season” is expanding into a year-round phenomenon. This shift drives demand for versatile assets like the Super Scooper, which can operate effectively across diverse geographies and seasons. The ability to deliver rapid, repetitive water drops is increasingly viewed as the most effective method for combating these high-intensity fires during their initial stages.

Conclusion

Bridger Aerospace’s acquisition of two Canadair CL-215T aircraft represents a calculated expansion of its operational capacity. By securing these assets for the 2026 season, the company not only cements its status as the world’s largest private operator of Super Scoopers but also enhances its ability to respond to a changing environmental landscape. The deal leverages a related-party structure to efficiently bring assets onto the balance sheet at a time when the company is reporting solid financial growth.

Looking ahead, the integration of these turbine-powered aircraft will likely bolster Bridger’s competitive advantage in bidding for federal and state contracts. As wildfire behavior continues to evolve toward larger, more destructive events, the demand for specialized initial-attack aviation assets is expected to remain robust.

FAQ

Question: What is the cost of the new aircraft acquisition?
Answer: Bridger Aerospace is acquiring the two Canadair CL-215T aircraft for a total purchase price of $50 million.

Question: When will the new aircraft be operational?
Answer: The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, with the aircraft scheduled for operational deployment during the 2026 wildfire season.

Question: How does the CL-215T differ from the CL-415EAF?
Answer: While both are turbine-powered, the CL-215T typically features analog avionics and a 2-door water drop system, whereas the CL-415EAF features a modernized glass cockpit and a higher-flow 4-door drop system.

Sources

• Bridger Aerospace Press Release