Metatek Group Ltd. (TSX: MTEK), the exclusive global provider of Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry, announced on October 27, 2026 that it has entered into a long-term Aircraft Services Agreement with U.S. aerial firefighting company Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER). The agreement will see Bridger modify, operate, and maintain three Basler BT-67 turbine-converted aircraft configured to Metatek's geophysical survey specifications. Investors may be watching the deal as a signal of Metatek's intent to scale survey operations without taking on direct aviation capital investment.

Key Points

  • Metatek Group Ltd. (TSX: MTEK) announced the Aircraft Services Agreement with Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER)
  • Bridger will modify, operate, and maintain a fleet of three Basler BT-67 aircraft configured for Metatek's airborne geophysical survey missions
  • Each aircraft carries an initial five-year term, automatically extended for an additional five years; the first aircraft is expected ready for deployment in the second half of 2027
  • Investors may watch whether the expanded cold-weather-capable fleet accelerates Metatek's progress toward its stated 70% operational utilisation target

Agreement Structure and Fleet Deployment Timeline

Under the agreement, Bridger Aerospace will provide aircraft availability, modification, maintenance, and operational support across a dedicated fleet of three Basler BT-67 aircraft. Each aircraft is subject to an initial five-year term that automatically extends for an additional five years absent a timely non-renewal notice. The commercial structure comprises aircraft modification fees, fixed monthly availability fees, and flight-hour charges at contractually committed minimum utilisation levels. The first aircraft is expected to be operationally ready in the second half of 2027, with the remaining two to follow over the subsequent three years.

Cold-Weather Capability Opens Previously Inaccessible Survey Markets

The release states that each aircraft will be equipped for cold-weather operations, enabling Metatek to pursue survey opportunities in markets it has previously been unable to target with its existing fleet. Bridger Aerospace will be responsible for sensor and mission systems integration, from initial engineering and modification through certification of each finished aircraft. Metatek's CEO, Dr. Mark Davies, stated in the announcement that the agreement supports the company's progress toward a target of 70% operational utilisation, which the company indicates would improve revenue generation from its instruments and strengthen project economics.

Metatek's eFTG Expansion and Lockheed Martin Instrument Orders

The announcement notes that Metatek has additional eFTG systems from Lockheed Martin on order, and the new aviation capacity is intended to support both existing operations and this next phase of growth. The company's CEO indicated the agreement allows Metatek to scale without the capital investment, overhead, and complexity of building a larger internal aviation operation, keeping resources focused on geophysical technology. Bridger's president and CEO described the deal as a transformational milestone in Bridger's strategy to build diversified revenue streams beyond wildfire suppression. Specific financial terms were not disclosed in the announcement.

Strategic Rationale for Both Companies

The disclosure suggests both parties view the arrangement as a long-term platform combining Metatek's geophysical sensor expertise with Bridger's aviation, engineering, and special-mission capabilities across multiple international markets. For Metatek, the structure transfers aviation operational complexity to a specialist partner. The immediate share price impact was not clear from available public information. The agreement reflects Metatek's stated positioning as the exclusive global provider of eFTG and Digital Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry survey services for mineral, energy, and hydrogen exploration.