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Bristow to Acquire Berry Aviation in $105M Transaction

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

Bristow Group helicopter conducting coast guard search and rescue operations
Bristow operates search and rescue services for coast guards around the world using its fleet of helicopters. [Credit: Bristow Group]
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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 integrates Berry's fixed-wing aircraft fleet and expertise in special missions, ISR, and MRO, strengthening Bristow's capabilities and U.S. government relationships.
  • This strategic move shifts Bristow towards more durable, contracted revenue streams, aligning with rising defense spending, and provides a foundation for future electric cargo and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) opportunities.
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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.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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