Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings (NASDAQ:BAER) has finalized the acquisition of six additional aircraft, a strategic expansion that solidifies its position as the owner of the world’s largest private "Super Scooper" fleet ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.
The Belgrade, Montana-based company completed the purchase of two Canadair CL-215T Super Scoopers for $50 million from MAB Funding.
This move increases Bridger’s total scooper fleet from six to eight aircraft.
In tandem, the company added four Air Attack aircraft to its balance sheet during the fourth quarter; two of these units were previously operated by Bridger under lease agreements.
The expansion was financed through a mix of existing liquidity and a new $331.5 million credit facility led by Bain Capital, which closed in October.
Specifically, the $50 million scooper purchase was funded via the $210 million Senior Secured Term Loan portion of that facility, while the Air Attack planes were acquired using cash on hand and an initial draw on the credit line.
The fleet now comprises eight Super Scoopers and 11 light fixed-wing Air Attack and Surveillance aircraft.
The Scoopers are highly specialized amphibious planes capable of scooping up to 1,400 gallons of water in 12 seconds to perform rapid-succession drops on active wildfires.