Bridger Aerospace purchases Bighorn Airways

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, an aerial firefighting company, has announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Bighorn Airways, a specialty aviation company based in Sheridan, Wyoming

Bridger will acquire Bighorn’s fleet of 12 aircraft used for wildfire smoke jumping as well as special mission transport and delivery for government customers.

The transaction, valued at US$39 million, is expected to close by the end of September 2023 and is subject to normal and customary closing conditions.

The acquisition will be financed through a combination of cash and stock, with the majority of consideration paid to the sellers in the form of stock.

“The addition of Bighorn’s assets to the Bridger Aerospace family expands our aerial firefighting services to new mission critical areas,” said Tim Sheehy, Bridger Aerospace’s chief executive officer.

“Bighorn provides year-round logistics for the Department of Defense (DoD) which broadens Bridger’s annual recurring revenue profile. From providing aircraft and flight crews in support of the U.S. government’s smoke jumper program, to flying missions in the North Pole region of Alaska, Bighorn adds unique skills, equipment and personnel to what is now the largest specialty wildfire aviation fleet in the country. We are honored to welcome Bighorn to the Bridger family.”

Bighorn’s fleet of 12 aircraft includes three Bombardier Dash 8 featuring a 7500 lbs. payload capacity, a range of 1200 miles and the capability of low-level flights for para cargo operations.

Bighorn also operates four Casa 212-200 and five Dornier 228-100 twin turboprop aircraft capable of short takeoff and landing.