Bridger Aerospace and Positive Aviation Announce Joint Partnership for the Development of Water Scooping Aircraft
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Positive Aviation to become the exclusive North American launch customer for the FF72 aircraft, an advanced water-scooping firefighting aircraft derived from ATR 72-600.
The partnership, announced at AFFE25 in Bordeaux, France, grants Bridger exclusive rights as the North American hub for FF72's sales, marketing, support, modifications, certification, and training. The agreement includes an opportunity to purchase ten FF72 aircraft with an option for ten additional units, with deliveries expected to begin for the 2029 fire year.
This strategic expansion will complement Bridger's existing CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers fleet, enhancing their aerial firefighting capabilities with new technology to address the growing year-round wildfire challenges.
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) ha firmato un Memorandum of Understanding con Positive Aviation per diventare il cliente di lancio esclusivo in Nord America per l'aereo FF72, un avanzato aereo antincendio per la raccolta d'acqua derivato dall'ATR 72-600.
La partnership, annunciata all'AFFE25 a Bordeaux, Francia, conferisce a Bridger diritti esclusivi come hub nordamericano per le vendite, il marketing, il supporto, le modifiche, la certificazione e la formazione del FF72. L'accordo include la possibilità di acquistare dieci aerei FF72 con un'opzione per dieci ulteriori unità, con le consegne previste per iniziare nell'anno antincendio 2029.
Questa espansione strategica completerà la flotta esistente di CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers di Bridger, migliorando le loro capacità di lotta contro gli incendi aerei con nuove tecnologie per affrontare le crescenti sfide degli incendi boschivi durante tutto l'anno.
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) ha firmado un Memorando de Entendimiento con Positive Aviation para convertirse en el cliente exclusivo de lanzamiento en América del Norte para el avión FF72, un avanzado avión de lucha contra incendios que recoge agua y derivado del ATR 72-600.
La asociación, anunciada en el AFFE25 en Burdeos, Francia, otorga a Bridger derechos exclusivos como el centro norteamericano para las ventas, marketing, soporte, modificaciones, certificación y formación del FF72. El acuerdo incluye la oportunidad de comprar diez aviones FF72 con una opción para diez unidades adicionales, con entregas previstas para comenzar en el año de incendios 2029.
Esta expansión estratégica complementará la flota existente de CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers de Bridger, mejorando sus capacidades de lucha contra incendios aéreos con nueva tecnología para abordar los crecientes desafíos de incendios forestales durante todo el año.
브리저 항공우주 (NASDAQ: BAER)는 포지티브 항공과 함께 FF72 항공기의 북미 독점 출시 고객이 되기 위한 양해각서를 체결했습니다. FF72는 ATR 72-600에서 파생된 고급 수중 소화 항공기입니다.
프랑스 보르도에서 열린 AFFE25에서 발표된 이 파트너십은 브리저에게 FF72의 판매, 마케팅, 지원, 수정, 인증 및 교육에 대한 북미 허브로서의 독점 권리를 부여합니다. 이 계약에는 10대의 FF72 항공기를 구매할 수 있는 기회와 추가 10대에 대한 옵션이 포함되어 있으며, 2029년 화재 연도부터 배송이 시작될 것으로 예상됩니다.
이 전략적 확장은 브리저의 기존 CL-415 EAF 슈퍼 스쿠퍼 플릿을 보완하여 증가하는 연중 화재 문제를 해결하기 위한 새로운 기술로 공중 소화 능력을 강화할 것입니다.
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) a signé un protocole d'accord avec Positive Aviation pour devenir le client de lancement exclusif en Amérique du Nord pour l'avion FF72, un aéronef avancé de lutte contre les incendies par ramassage d'eau dérivé de l'ATR 72-600.
Le partenariat, annoncé lors de l'AFFE25 à Bordeaux, France, accorde à Bridger des droits exclusifs en tant que hub nord-américain pour les ventes, le marketing, le support, les modifications, la certification et la formation du FF72. L'accord comprend la possibilité d'acheter dix avions FF72 avec une option pour dix unités supplémentaires, les livraisons devant commencer pour l'année d'incendie 2029.
Cette expansion stratégique complétera la flotte existante de CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers de Bridger, améliorant leurs capacités de lutte contre les incendies aériens avec de nouvelles technologies pour relever les défis croissants des incendies de forêt tout au long de l'année.
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) hat ein Memorandum of Understanding mit Positive Aviation unterzeichnet, um der exklusive nordamerikanische Startkunde für das FF72-Flugzeug zu werden, ein fortschrittliches Wasseraufnahmepflanzungsflugzeug, das vom ATR 72-600 abgeleitet ist.
Die Partnerschaft, die auf der AFFE25 in Bordeaux, Frankreich, bekannt gegeben wurde, gewährt Bridger exklusive Rechte als nordamerikanisches Zentrum für den Verkauf, das Marketing, den Support, Modifikationen, die Zertifizierung und das Training des FF72. Die Vereinbarung umfasst die Möglichkeit, zehn FF72-Flugzeuge zu kaufen, mit einer Option auf zehn weitere Einheiten, wobei die Auslieferungen voraussichtlich im Jahr 2029 beginnen werden.
Diese strategische Expansion wird die bestehende CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers-Flotte von Bridger ergänzen und deren Fähigkeiten zur Bekämpfung von Bränden aus der Luft mit neuer Technologie verbessern, um den wachsenden Herausforderungen von Waldbränden ganzjährig zu begegnen.
- Exclusive North American launch customer rights for FF72 aircraft
- Potential acquisition of up to 20 new firefighting aircraft
- Exclusive regional hub status for sales, support, and training
- Strategic fleet expansion addressing year-round wildfire demand
- Long wait time for initial aircraft delivery (2029)
- MOU subject to negotiation of definitive agreement
- Significant capital investment required for aircraft purchases
Insights
This partnership represents a strategic positioning move for Bridger Aerospace in the aerial firefighting market. The MOU establishes Bridger as the exclusive North American launch customer for Positive Aviation's FF72 water-scooping aircraft while also securing exclusive hub status for sales, marketing, and support services throughout North America.
The exclusivity components create potential for multiple revenue streams - not just from firefighting operations but also through distribution, training, and support services for these specialized aircraft. However, investors should note that this remains a preliminary agreement (MOU) rather than a binding contract, with many key terms still subject to negotiation.
Most notably, the 2029 implementation timeline places this firmly in the long-term strategic category rather than having immediate operational impact. This extended timeline introduces execution risks including potential market changes, competitive responses, or technological shifts before the first delivery.
The opportunity to purchase up to 20 aircraft provides fleet expansion flexibility but doesn't represent firm orders with committed capital expenditure. Without disclosed financial terms, it's difficult to quantify the investment required or potential return profile.
The partnership does validate Bridger's market position as a leader in aerial firefighting and suggests confidence in continued or expanded demand for these specialized services as climate-related wildfire threats increase in frequency and duration.
This partnership introduces a significant expansion to Bridger's technical capabilities through the addition of the FF72 aircraft, a specialized firefighting adaptation of the widely-used ATR 72-600 regional aircraft. The technical approach - converting proven commercial airframes to specialized firefighting use - balances innovation with reliability, potentially offering cost efficiencies compared to purpose-built firefighting aircraft.
The FF72 would complement Bridger's existing fleet of CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers, diversifying their aerial firefighting toolkit. Water-scooping technology is particularly valuable for rapid-response scenarios near water sources, allowing continuous firefighting operations without returning to base for refilling.
From an industry perspective, the long delivery timeline (2029) reflects the reality of specialized aircraft development and certification - particularly for modified airframes intended for critical safety applications. This suggests substantial engineering and regulatory work remains before operational deployment.
The partnership structure - where Bridger becomes both customer and exclusive North American hub - creates a vertically integrated approach to this aircraft's introduction to the market. This gives Bridger potential advantages in shaping the North American aerial firefighting equipment landscape.
The extended timeline before implementation means this partnership's value lies primarily in strategic positioning rather than immediate operational enhancement. However, it addresses a critical market need as climate change extends wildfire seasons and increases demand for specialized aerial firefighting resources.
BELGRADE, Mont. and BLAGNAC, France, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies, and Positive Aviation, Inc. (“PA”), a Blagnac, France-based engineering company, announced today that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) designating Bridger as the exclusive North American launch customer for PA’s FF72 aircraft, a state-of-the-art, reliable, and efficient amphibious water-scooping firefighting aircraft derived from an ATR 72-600. The partnership was officially unveiled today at the Aerial Fire Fighting Series: Europe Conference and Exhibition (“AFFE25”) held at the Centre de Congrès Cité Mondiale in Bordeaux, France, and remains subject to negotiation of a definitive collaboration agreement between the parties on terms consistent with the MOU.
Under the terms of the MOU, Bridger will serve as the exclusive North American hub for the sales, marketing, in-service support, modifications, certification, and flight crew and mechanics training for the FF72 aircraft. Additionally, the MOU provides Bridger with the opportunity to purchase ten FF72 aircraft, with an option to acquire an additional ten units at a later date, subject to mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions. PA has indicated that they expect to begin deliveries of the FF72 to Bridger in time for the 2029 fire year.
This framework agreement marks an exciting expansion opportunity of Bridger’s fleet, complementing its existing fleet of CL-415 EAF Super Scoopers. The addition of the FF72 will integrate disruptive new technology, further enhancing Bridger’s ability to respond to wildfires with cutting-edge, cost-effective aerial firefighting assets. By incorporating the FF72 in its fleet, Bridger aims to solidify its position as a leader in the aerial firefighting industry, continually innovating and expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of wildfire management.
“Bridger is the leading aerial firefighting company in North America and has long been recognized for its expertise in deploying, training, and providing aerial firefighting services to communities affected by wildfires,” said Laurent Schmitt, Chairman and Founder of PA. “We are proud to partner with Bridger and are excited to develop this aircraft to meet the growing demand for cost-effective wildfire fighting solutions both in the U.S. and globally.”
Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Bridger, stated, “With the increasing global demand for year-round aerial firefighting resources and the current shortage of available assets, the FF72 will be a valuable addition to our Scooper fleet. By combining advanced airframe enhancements with the aircraft’s proven technologies and reliability, Positive Aviation has developed an outstanding product. We look forward to working together to introduce these assets and support the wildfire-fighting community in addressing the ongoing, and increasingly year-round, challenge of wildfires.”
About Bridger Aerospace
Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation, as well as internationally. More information about Bridger Aerospace is available at https://www.bridgeraerospace.com.
About Positive Aviation
Bases in Blagnac, France, Positive Aviation is an engineering and industrial company, developing and implementing modifications on second-hand ATR 72 transforming them into amphibious water scooper firefighter aircraft – the FF72. The FF72 leverages proven technologies and combines expertise from both the aeronautical and naval industries.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements, including for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “poised,” “positioned,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) the anticipated benefits from Bridger’s proposed partnership with PA, including the expansion of Bridger’s operations and expected timing for deliveries of the ATR-FF72 aircraft to Bridger; (2) Bridger’s business and growth plans; (3) Bridger’s future financial performance; (4) current and future demand for aerial firefighting services, including trends and/or changes in the duration or severity of any domestic or international wildfire seasons; and (5) anticipated investments in additional aircraft, capital resources, and research and development and the effect of these investments. These statements are based on various assumptions and estimates, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Bridger’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Bridger. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the ability of Bridger and PA to successfully negotiate and enter into a definitive collaboration agreement on terms consistent with the non-binding MOU; Bridger’s ability to identify and effectively implement any current or future anticipated cost reductions, including any resulting impacts to Bridger’s business and operations therefrom; the duration or severity of any domestic or international wildfire seasons; changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; Bridger’s failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions; Bridger’s successful integration of any aircraft (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions); Bridger’s ability to successfully and timely develop, sell and expand its services, and otherwise implement its growth strategy; risks relating to Bridger’s operations and business, including information technology and cybersecurity risks, loss of requisite licenses, flight safety risks, loss of key customers and deterioration in relationships between Bridger and its employees; risks related to increased competition; risks relating to potential disruption of current plans, operations and infrastructure of Bridger, including as a result of the consummation of any acquisition; risks that Bridger is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; risks that Bridger experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; Bridger's ability to compete with existing or new companies that could cause downward pressure on prices, fewer customer orders, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, and the loss of market share; the ability to successfully select, execute or integrate future acquisitions into Bridger's business, which could result in material adverse effects to operations and financial conditions; and those factors discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included in Bridger’s Annual Report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent filings made by Bridger with the SEC from time to time. If any of these risks materialize or Bridger management's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Bridger presently does not know or that Bridger currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Bridger’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Bridger anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Bridger’s assessments to change. However, while Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Bridger’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
| Investor Contacts |
| Alison Ziegler |
| Darrow Associates |
| 201-220-2678 |
| aziegler@darrowir.com |
FAQ
What is the delivery timeline for Bridger Aerospace's FF72 firefighting aircraft?
How many FF72 aircraft can Bridger Aerospace (BAER) potentially acquire under the MOU?
What exclusive rights does Bridger Aerospace (BAER) receive in North America for the FF72?
How will the FF72 aircraft complement Bridger Aerospace's existing fleet?
