Bridger Aerospace Expands Fleet with Six New Firefighting Aircraft for 2026

Bridger Aerospace Acquires Six Aircraft to Bolster 2026 Firefighting Operations

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has officially completed the acquisition of six additional Aircraft to expand its operational fleet. According to a company press release issued on December 30, 2025, the transaction includes two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft, commonly known as “Super Scoopers”, and four Air Attack aircraft. This strategic move is designed to position the company for expanded federal contract awards ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.

The acquisition marks a significant consolidation of assets for the Belgrade, Montana-based company. By purchasing these aircraft, which were previously held by a joint venture or leased, Bridger Aerospace aims to secure long-term stability and enhance its capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire seasons. The company stated that the purchase of the two Super Scoopers was valued at $50 million, funded through a Senior Secured Term Loan Facility that closed earlier in October 2025.

Transaction Details and Fleet Expansion

The newly acquired assets were purchased from MAB Funding, LLC, a joint venture partnership involving Bridger Aerospace, Marathon Asset Management LP, and Eyre Street Capital. The transaction officially closed on December 30, 2025.

Super Scooper Acquisition

The centerpiece of this deal involves two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft. These specialized water bombers are capable of scooping water from lakes or oceans without returning to base, a critical capability for sustained fire suppression. With this purchase, Bridger Aerospace increases its owned fleet of Super Scoopers from six to eight, reinforcing its status as the largest private operator of such aircraft globally.

According to the company, the $50 million purchase price for these two aircraft was financed via its $210 million credit facility. These specific airframes are often referred to as “Spanish Super Scoopers” because they were originally acquired from the Spanish government before being retrofitted and maintained by Bridger.

Air Attack Fleet Growth

In addition to the heavy tankers, Bridger acquired four Air Attack aircraft. These planes, typically Pilatus PC-12 or Daher Kodiak 100 models, serve as the “quarterbacks” of the sky. They do not drop water but are essential for coordinating aerial traffic and guiding heavy tankers to their targets.

The press release notes that two of these four aircraft were previously leased by Bridger and were already on Contracts during the 2025 season. Bringing them onto the company’s balance sheet is intended to reduce leasing costs and secure the assets for long-term use. The Air Attack fleet now stands at 11 aircraft dedicated to surveillance and tactical coordination.

Strategic Focus: The 2026 Wildfire Season

Bridger Aerospace explicitly linked this acquisition to its Strategy for the upcoming 2026 fire season. By owning these assets outright, the company is better positioned to bid for “Exclusive Use” (EU) contracts with the United States Forest Service (USFS). Unlike “Call-When-Needed” contracts, which operate on an on-demand basis, EU contracts provide guaranteed revenue for a set period, offering greater financial predictability.

In the press release, Bridger Aerospace CEO Sam Davis emphasized the operational importance of the deal:

“The addition of these aircraft positions Bridger to better fulfill our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment in 2026… We are confident in the potential for these aircraft to generate additional revenue and cash flow growth.”

Technical Capabilities

The Canadair CL-215T models acquired in this transaction are turbine-powered upgrades of the original piston-engine CL-215. According to technical specifications referenced in industry reports, these aircraft can scoop approximately 1,412 gallons (5,345 liters) of water in just 12 seconds. The turbine engines provide improved safety and performance in mountainous terrain compared to older piston variants.

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition represents a shift in Bridger Aerospace’s financial structure, moving from an “asset-light” leasing model for certain airframes to an “asset-heavy” ownership model. While this increases the company’s debt load, specifically utilizing the $210 million term loan, it eliminates lease payments and grants Bridger full control over the assets.

Control is the key variable here. Federal agencies like the USFS often prioritize contractors who can guarantee asset availability. By owning the “Spanish Super Scoopers” outright, Bridger removes the risk of lease expirations or partner disputes, making them a more reliable partner for multi-year government contracts. Investors will likely be watching the next earnings call to see if this capital expenditure translates directly into the coveted Exclusive Use task orders for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “Super Scooper”?

A Super Scooper is an amphibious aircraft designed specifically for aerial firefighting. It can skim the surface of a body of water to refill its tanks in seconds, allowing it to make repeated drops on a fire without returning to an airport to reload.

How was the purchase funded?

The $50 million for the two Super Scoopers was funded through Bridger’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility. The four Air Attack aircraft were purchased using cash on hand and an initial draw on the same credit facility.

Does Bridger Aerospace operate outside the US?

While the company is based in Montana and focuses heavily on US federal contracts, the mobility of its fleet allows it to respond to wildfires across North-America and potentially internationally, depending on contract arrangements.

Sources

• Bridger Aerospace Press Release