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.
