Bristow to Acquire Berry Aviation in $105M Transaction

Helicopter operator diversifies fleet with fixed-wing additions as it seeks more government customers.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Bristow operates search and rescue services for coast guards around the world using its fleet of helicopters. [Credit: Bristow Group]

Key Takeaways:

Bristow Group is acquiring Berry Aviation for $105 million to significantly expand its government services business and diversify its operational portfolio.
The acquisition adds Berry's fixed-wing aircraft fleet, special mission capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) expertise, and key government certifications to Bristow's offerings.
This strategic move aims to shift Bristow's revenue mix towards more durable, contracted government services, reducing reliance on offshore energy and aligning with global defense spending trends.
Berry Aviation's capabilities in cargo logistics and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) will also provide a foundation for Bristow's future expansion into advanced air mobility and defense aviation platforms.

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Bristow Group—the world’s largest operator of Sikorsky S-92 and Leonardo AW189 and AW139 helicopters—is acquiring a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft as it seeks to expand its government services business.

Bristow on Tuesday announced a definitive agreement to acquire Texas-based Berry Aviation from parent Acorn Capital Management for $105 million in an all-cash transaction, expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.