Bristow Group Announces Berry Aviation Acquisition, Strengthening Government Operations
Bristow Group to Acquire Berry Aviation
Bristow Group Inc., a leading global aviation services company, has announced that it will acquire Berry Aviation, a Texas-based aviation services provider. The acquisition marks an important step in Bristow’s strategy to strengthen its government services business and diversify its revenue streams.
Headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, Berry Aviation operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft and provides aviation services in several countries. The company specializes in government and defense-related operations, which account for nearly 72% of its total revenue.
Berry Aviation offers a wide range of services, including special missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, pilot training, mission support and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) design and development. The company also provides on-demand cargo logistics and aviation supply-chain solutions for commercial customers.
Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Bradshaw said the acquisition aligns with major global trends, including rising geopolitical risks, increased defense spending and the growing outsourcing of mission-critical aviation services. He noted that Berry Aviation’s expertise and strong customer relationships complement Bristow’s existing government operations and will help the company compete for long-term government contracts.
Berry Aviation has extensive experience supporting all branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). The company has built a strong reputation for carrying out complex missions that require precision, safety and strict compliance with regulations.
One of the biggest advantages of the acquisition is the addition of specialized certifications and operational capabilities. Berry Aviation holds important certifications such as Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) certification, Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) certification and Part 135 Airdrop authorization. It also has the capability to operate in GPS-denied environments, which is increasingly important in modern defense operations.
The acquisition will significantly change Bristow’s business mix. Currently, offshore energy services contribute the largest share of Bristow’s revenue. After acquiring Berry Aviation and exiting its Norway Offshore Energy Services business, government services are expected to account for approximately 35% of the company’s revenue. This shift will give Bristow a more balanced and stable business model with long-term contracted revenue streams.
Berry Aviation generated approximately $108 million in revenue in 2025. Bristow expects the transaction to be immediately beneficial for earnings and free cash flow while improving its overall profitability profile.
The deal will also position Bristow to take advantage of emerging opportunities in unmanned and next-generation aviation technologies. Berry Aviation’s expertise in unmanned aerial systems is expected to strengthen Bristow’s ability to support evolving defense requirements and explore new cargo and regional transportation opportunities.
In addition, the acquisition is expected to create operational efficiencies and synergies. The combined company will be able to cross-sell services to government customers, leverage a diversified fleet and optimize procurement and maintenance operations across its global network.
Bristow said Berry Aviation’s leadership team will remain in place after the acquisition is completed, and the company plans to maintain a strong presence at Berry Aviation’s existing facilities.
The acquisition is expected to close during the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary approvals and conditions. Bristow intends to fund the transaction using its existing cash reserves. The deal represents another important step in Bristow’s efforts to build a more diversified, resilient and growth-oriented aviation services platform.
