Avincis and Bridger Strengthen Europe's Aerial Firefighting Capacity With 2 Leased Super Scoopers

July 23, 2026

LISBON, Portugal, and BELGRADE, Mont., July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avincis, Europe's leading provider of emergency aerial services, and Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the United States’ leading aerial firefighting companies, today jointly announced that Bridger’s two newest Super Scoopers have been leased to Avincis and deployed to support active wildfire suppression efforts in Portugal. The agreement marks Bridger’s first revenue-generating operations in Europe, with the aircraft currently under contract through mid-October, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreements.

Under the agreement, Avincis will operate the Bridger-owned aircraft, providing additional aerial firefighting capacity at a time when Europe is experiencing one of the most demanding starts to a wildfire season in recent years. The aircraft will be rapidly deployed to support ongoing responses to emerging wildfire threats in Portugal, reinforcing the strength of both Avincis and Bridger’s ability to protect communities, critical infrastructure and natural environments.

With aircraft and crews operating in highly demanding conditions and often for extended periods, the additional CL-215T aircraft will provide valuable resilience to Avincis' firefighting operations. The company continues to work closely with national and regional authorities to ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most, while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety.

The agreement underscores the growing need to strengthen Europe's long-term aerial firefighting capability. As wildfire seasons become longer, more frequent and more severe, demand for specialized aircraft continues to outpace available capacity.

John Boag, Group CEO of Avincis , said: "Europe is facing a new reality where wildfires are becoming larger, more frequent and increasingly unpredictable. The current season has only just begun, yet we are already seeing exceptionally high levels of operational activity across Southern Europe.

"This agreement with Bridger strengthens our ability to respond to that demand by adding proven firefighting aircraft to our fleet at a critical time. It also reflects our broader commitment to ensuring we have the capability, capacity and flexibility needed to support governments and emergency services as wildfire risk continues to grow. Building resilience today will determine how effectively we protect communities in the years ahead."

Sam Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace, said: “Wildfires do not recognize borders, and neither should the capabilities needed to fight them. This deployment marks an important milestone for Bridger as our first revenue-generating activity in Europe and demonstrates the versatility of our fleet and business model. Whether a fire is burning in the forests of Montana or the hillsides of Portugal, our mission is the same, get our Scoopers to the fire as fast as possible and give the people on the ground every advantage. We are proud to join our strategic partners at Avincis as we answer the call in Europe together. Bridger stands ready to respond wherever wildfires threaten lives, property, and the environment, in the United States and around the world.”

The lease agreement further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Avincis and Bridger and reflects both companies' shared commitment to providing world-class aerial firefighting capabilities wherever they are needed.

Source : Bridger Aerospace