Air Tractor acquires Thrush
The two companies will continue to operate independently for the foreseeable future, with Mark McDonald retaining his position as CEO of Thrush
Air Tractor Holdings has acquired Thrush Aircraft, a manufacturer of aircraft for the aerial firefighting and agricultural sectors.
The transaction, which closed on 3 April, will see the two companies continue to operate as separate brands for the foreseeable future.
Jim Hirsch, CEO of Air Tractor, also confirmed that there were no plans to alter current operations at Thrush, and that the company’s current CEO, Mark McDonald, Chief Financial Officer Clint Hubbard, and Board Member John Graber would remain in their respective roles.
“We are ensuring these fleets are supported for the long term and are committing the resources necessary to ensure the viability of production lines in both Olney, Texas, and Albany, Georgia,” said Hirsch. “In a world where global food security increasingly depends on precision aerial application, crop protection efficiency, and rapid wildfire suppression, both companies serve as indispensable assets. And we’re stronger together.”
Slovenian firm AFormX recently unveiled a new aerial firefighting simulator for Air Tractor aircraft.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.