Bridger Aerospace (BGR, Bozeman) - one of the US largest aerial firefighting companies - has announced it is purchasing Bighorn Airways (BHR, Sheridan, WY) in a USD39 million deal that includes the acquisition of a fleet of 12 aircraft used for wildfire smoke jumping, special mission transport, and delivery for government clients.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of September 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions, the parties announced in a statement. The acquisition will be financed through a combination of cash and stock. For the year ending 2023, Bighorn is expected to generate pro-forma revenue of USD22 million and adjusted pro-forma EBITDA of USD5 million.
"The addition of Bighorn's assets to the Bridger Aerospace family expands our aerial firefighting services to new mission-critical areas," commented Bridger Aerospace's Chief Executive Officer Tim Sheehy. "Bighorn provides year-round logistics for the United States Department of Defense (DOD), which broadens Bridger's annual recurring revenue profile. From providing aircraft and flight crews supporting the US government's smoke jumper programme to flying missions in the North Pole region of Alaska, Bighorn adds unique skills, equipment, and personnel to what is now the largest speciality wildfire aviation fleet in the country."
Located at the base of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, the airline provides various aviation services, including on-demand speciality aircraft charter, government contracting, and full Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services.
According to the company, Bighorn's fleet includes three DHC-8-100s for on-demand charters and four CASA - Construcciones Aeronáuticas 212-200s, turboprop-powered STOL medium cargo aircraft particularly popular for skydiving operations. Five STOL-capable Dornier Do228-200s are used for special operations across the continental US, supporting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service Aviation in firefighting missions and providing air transport services for the Veterans Administration. Founded in 1947 as a crop sprayer for local ranchers, Bighorn has grown into Wyoming's largest aviation service provider. It is one of only a few air carriers approved by the DoD Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB), holds a DoD Facility Security Clearance, and is a US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) certified air carrier. Bighorn also owns and operates an FBO at its home base in Sheridan, WY.
Bridger Aerospace provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service.
