Bridger Aerospace Completes Purchase of Two Spanish Super Scoopers and Four Air Attack Aircraft, Positioning the Company for Expanded Contract Awards in 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW) completed purchases that expand its aerial firefighting fleet ahead of 2026. The company bought two Canadair CL-215T Super Scoopers—raising its scooper fleet from six to eight—and added four Air Attack aircraft to its balance sheet in Q4 2025, two of which were previously leased and on contract in 2025. The $50 million Scooper purchase was funded through the company’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility that closed in October; the four Air Attack planes were paid with cash and an initial draw on the Facility. With these additions Bridger now operates eight Super Scoopers and a Light Fixed Wing Air Attack and Surveillance fleet of 11, positioning the company for expanded contract awards and increased mission capability in 2026.

Positive

• Super Scooper fleet increased from 6 to 8
• Added 4 Air Attack aircraft to balance sheet in Q4 2025
• Scooper purchase of $50 million financed via $210 million term loan facility

Negative

• Used $50 million of the $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, increasing indebtedness
• Initial draw and cash used to fund aircraft may reduce near-term liquidity

Key Figures

Scooper purchase price $50 million Purchase of two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft

Term loan facility $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility closed in October 2025

Super Scooper fleet 8 aircraft Increased from six after acquiring two CL-215T Scoopers

Super Scooper increase 6 to 8 aircraft Fleet size change from previous level

Air Attack aircraft added 4 aircraft Added to balance sheet in Q4 2025

Previously leased aircraft 2 aircraft Of the four Air Attack aircraft, two were leased and on contract in 2025

Light Fixed Wing fleet 11 aircraft Light Fixed Wing Air Attack and Surveillance fleet size after additions

Super Scooper ranking Largest private operator Operates more Super Scoopers than any other private operator worldwide

Market Reality Check

$0.2100 Last Close

Volume Volume 807,208 is 2.07x the 20-day average of 389,819, showing elevated interest ahead of 2026 expansion. high

Technical Price at $1.88 is trading above the 200-day MA of $1.71, indicating strength into this fleet update.

Peers on Argus

Sector peers were mixed: SNT up 1.56%, CIX up 1.2%, while KSCP, SPCB, and MG declined between -0.76% and -4.58%. BAER’s 10.59% gain appears more company-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 24	Aircraft purchase deal	Positive	-3.9%	Signed $50M agreement to acquire two CL-215T Super Scoopers for 2026.
Nov 21	CFO succession	Neutral	+2.3%	Announced CFO retirement timeline and deputy CFO promotion with board changes.
Nov 06	Record Q3 results	Positive	-5.3%	Reported record Q3, raised revenue guidance, and highlighted strong EBITDA and cash.
Oct 30	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+3.7%	Scheduled Q3 2025 earnings release, call, and conference participation details.
Oct 29	New credit facility	Positive	-3.5%	Announced $331.5M senior secured facility and sale-leaseback to fund fleet growth.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive operational and financing news often saw negative price reactions, so today’s gain on closing the Super Scooper purchase contrasts with prior sell-the-news behavior.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Bridger Aerospace has focused on growth and financing for its aerial firefighting fleet. On Oct 29, it secured a new $331.5M senior secured credit facility to refinance debt and fund aircraft purchases. A record Q3 on Nov 6 showed revenue of $67.9M and net income of $34.5M, with increased 2025 revenue guidance. On Nov 24, Bridger signed a $50M agreement for two Spanish Super Scoopers, now completed in today’s announcement, aligning execution with earlier plans for 2026 expansion.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +6.0% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Bridger’s tangible fleet expansion, moving from six to eight Super Scoopers and building an 11-aircraft light fixed-wing fleet. Historically, the stock often sold off on good news, such as record Q3 results and new financing that saw declines of 3–5%. Today’s gain diverges from that pattern and reflects investor focus on fully funded, executed purchases tied to 2026 contract potential rather than just forward-looking agreements or financing announcements.

Key Terms

amphibious aircraft technical

"two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft from MAB Funding, LLC"

An amphibious aircraft is a plane designed to take off and land on both water and conventional runways, combining features of boats and airplanes much like a vehicle that can drive on land and float on a lake. For investors, it matters because these versatile aircraft open broader markets—maritime patrols, island transport, firefighting, tourism—and can affect revenue potential, operating costs, maintenance needs and regulatory risks tied to specialized equipment and certification.

senior secured term loan facility financial

"included in the Company’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility"

A senior secured term loan facility is a type of borrowed money that a company takes out, which is backed by its valuable assets like property or equipment. Because it is secured by these assets and ranks higher in repayment priority, it is considered safer for lenders and typically offers lower interest rates. For investors, it provides a relatively stable and priority claim on the company's assets if it encounters financial difficulties.

air attack aircraft technical

"Bridger added four Air Attack aircraft to its balance sheet in the fourth quarter"

An air attack aircraft is a military airplane designed to strike ground or sea targets with weapons such as bombs, missiles, or guns, and often to support troops in combat. For investors, these aircraft matter because they are major products for defense manufacturers and influence government spending, contract awards, and a company’s sales outlook—think of them as high-value, long-term orders that can move a supplier’s revenue like a large construction contract does for a builder.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

BELGRADE, Mont., Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”), (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies, today announced that it has completed the purchase of two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft from MAB Funding, LLC, the partnership between Bridger, Marathon Asset Management LP and Eyre Street Capital. The purchase increases Bridger’s Super Scooper fleet from six to eight. Additionally, Bridger added four Air Attack aircraft to its balance sheet in the fourth quarter, two of which had previously been leased and on contract in 2025. The expanded fleet positions Bridger for increased mission capability and expanded contract awards heading into the 2026 fire season and beyond.

“The addition of these aircraft positions Bridger to better fulfill our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment in 2026,” said Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace. “Given the strong demand for our purpose-built scooper fleet and the proven effectiveness of our light fixed-wing aircraft in fire support, we are confident in the potential for these aircraft to generate additional revenue and cash flow growth starting in 2026, and we look forward to deploying these assets.”

The $50 million purchase of the Scoopers was included in the Company’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility that closed in October (the “Facility”). The addition of the four air attack aircraft was funded using a combination of cash and an initial draw on the Company’s Facility.

With the addition of these six aircraft, Bridger Aerospace now operates eight Super Scoopers, more than any other private operator worldwide, and has a Light Fixed Wing Air Attack and Surveillance fleet of 11.

Venable LLP provided US legal advice and Watson Farley Williams provided Spanish legal advice to Bridger in connection with the Scooper transaction.

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.

Investor Contacts
Alison Ziegler
Darrow Associates
201-220-2678
aziegler@darrowir.com

Media Contact
Devin Johnson
Bridger Aerospace
406-919-5980
d.johnson@bridgeraerospace.com

 Forward Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts (including any statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations of economic performance, or assumptions or forecasts related thereto) are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the 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 integration of the new aircraft into Bridger’s operations, (2) the anticipated expansion of Bridger’s operations and increased deployment of Bridger’s aircraft fleet, the anticipated benefits therefrom and the ultimate structure of such acquisitions and/or right to use arrangements; (3) Bridger’s business, research and development and growth plans and future financial performance; (4) current and future demand for aerial firefighting services, including the duration or severity of any domestic or international wildfire seasons; (5) Bridger’s potential sources of liquidity and capital resources and financing plans; and (6) Bridger’s remediation plan for its material weaknesses in Bridger’s internal control over financial reporting. 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 satisfaction of closing conditions, completion of return to service work, successful integration of aircraft (including achievement of synergies and cost reductions), operational and safety risks, the duration and severity of wildfire seasons, competition, customer demand, availability of personnel and equipment, and other risks 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.

FAQ

What aircraft did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) purchase on December 30, 2025?

Bridger purchased two Canadair CL-215T Super Scoopers and added four Air Attack aircraft to its balance sheet.

How many Super Scoopers will Bridger Aerospace (BAER) operate after the purchase?

Bridger will operate eight Super Scoopers after the transaction.

How was the $50 million Scooper purchase financed by Bridger Aerospace (BAER)?

The $50 million Scooper purchase was included in Bridger’s $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan Facility that closed in October.

Did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) acquire leased aircraft in 2025?

Yes; two of the four Air Attack aircraft added in Q4 2025 had previously been leased and on contract in 2025.

What fleet totals did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) report after the transactions?

Bridger reported 8 Super Scoopers and a Light Fixed Wing Air Attack and Surveillance fleet of 11.