Metatek Group has signed an Aircraft Services Agreement with US-based Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings to provide dedicated aircraft and operational support for its expanding global airborne geophysical survey operations.

Under the agreement, Bridger Aerospace will modify, operate and maintain a fleet of three Basler BT-67 turbine-converted aircraft, configured to Metatek’s specifications to accommodate specialised geophysical sensors and mission equipment.

The partnership will provide Metatek with an integrated aviation services platform covering aircraft availability, modification, maintenance and operational support, reducing the need for the company to independently fund equivalent aircraft capacity.

The aircraft will also be equipped for cold-weather operations, allowing Metatek to pursue survey opportunities in markets it has not previously been able to access with its existing fleet.

Each aircraft will initially operate under a five-year contract, automatically extending for a further five years unless either party provides notice of non-renewal.

The agreement includes aircraft modification fees, fixed monthly availability payments and flight-hour charges based on minimum committed utilisation levels.

The first aircraft is expected to be ready for operational deployment in the second half of 2027, with the remaining two scheduled for delivery over the following three years.

Bridger Aerospace will also oversee the integration of the required sensor and mission systems, including engineering, aircraft modifications and certification.

The partnership combines Metatek’s geophysical technology and international survey operations with Bridger Aerospace’s aviation, engineering and special-mission capabilities to establish a dedicated aircraft platform supporting surveys across multiple international markets.

Metatek is the exclusive global provider of Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (eFTG) and Digital Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (dFTG) technologies.

“Metatek needs dependable aviation capacity to support its existing operations and, with additional eFTG systems from Lockheed Martin on order, its next phase of growth,” said Dr Mark Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Metatek. “Bridger’s established, certified operations and experience in austere environments provide the dedicated aircraft, maintenance and operational support to help us improve reliability, streamline mobilisation and increase productive survey time. This agreement supports our progress towards our target of 70% operational utilisation, enabling us to generate more revenue from our instruments and strengthen project economics. It also allows us to scale without taking on the capital investment, overhead and complexity of building a larger aviation operation within Metatek, keeping our resources focused on geophysical technology and delivering for our customers.” 

“This agreement marks a transformational milestone in Bridger’s strategy to build diversified, durable revenue streams beyond wildfire suppression and expand into long-term, recurring global operations,” said Sam Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace. “Metatek is recognised worldwide for its technical leadership, and we are proud to serve as their dedicated aviation partner. By combining their advanced sensor technology with Bridger’s aviation expertise, we are creating a highly differentiated platform that will serve long-term global customers with innovative technology and aviation solutions.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service