Positive Aviation to launch firefighting ATR72
April 5, 2025
Toulouse-Blagnac-based Positive Aviation has announced plans to launch a firefighting version of the ATR72, the FF72. The aircraft a floatplane version of the ATR72 to enable it to scoop water like the CL-415 does. Positive Aviation says that the FF72 will have a capacity of 8,000 litres (1,860 litres more than the CL-415). The FF72 will also fly and scoop faster than the CL-415.
On 25 March, Positive signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based Bridger Aerospace for ten FF72 aerial firefighting aircraft (with options on ten more). Bridger will be granted exclusive rights to sell, market, modify, and certify the FF72 in North America, and to train operators.
Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting operator based in Bozeman, Montana. The company states its mission as being to protect the lives, property, and habitats threatened by wildfires. Bridger operates a fleet of purpose-built Aerial Firefighting aircraft including six Canadair CL-415EAF Super Scoopers. These aircraft are capable of scooping 1,412 gallons of water from lakes or rivers and dropping it on a fire from extremely low altitudes. With a four-hour fuel cycle, these aircraft can repeatedly scoop and drop water, providing aerial support to firefighters on the ground for extended periods.
The company is currently managing the return-to-service upgrades, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of four CL-215T Super Scoopers for future operations in Europe.
Deliveries of the FF72 are expected to begin in 2029 and the new aircraft will supplement the existing Bridger Aerospace CL-415 fleet.
