ALBANY, Ga. — Air Tractor Holdings announced on April 6, 2026 that it has acquired the stock of Thrush Aircraft, LLC. The transaction, which closed April 3, creates a unified powerhouse in the aerial application industry while maintaining the independent operations of both brands.
“Air Tractor and Thrush will continue to operate as separate entities just as they do now,” said Hirsch. “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.”
Hirsch noted he has no plans to alter current operations, confirming that Thrush CEO Mark McDonald, CFO Clint Hubbard and John Graber will remain in their respective roles.
“While the Ag market has contracted some recently, considering all the markets we serve, the world needs more capacity to meet global demand,” said Mark McDonald. He added, “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.”
“I have enjoyed getting to know Mark and Clint,” Hirsch said. “We are all committed to making this consolidation a win-win for our industry. The product lines and dealer networks remain the same; together, we will be a stronger company better equipped to serve our global customers.”
“Our two companies share the same fundamental value proposition,” Hirsch said. “We are carrying forward Leland Snow’s vision of purpose-built, durable aircraft that are safe, pilot-friendly, and optimized for high-cycle, low-altitude operations.”
“It is important to note that nothing changes for our employees at Air Tractor or Thrush,” Hirsch added. “Instead, this combination provides the stability to put Leland’s vision on a firm foundation for the future. I believe he would be proud of us all today.”
About Air Tractor, Inc.
At its Olney, Texas manufacturing facilities, Air Tractor produces a line of eight aircraft that includes 400, 500, 600 and 800-gallon capacity airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines. They are used for agricultural purposes, fighting wildfires, narcotic crop eradication, fuel-hauling to remote villages, fighting locust plagues, mosquito control, and cleaning up oil spills in coastal waters. From North, South and Central America, to Australia, Indonesia and China to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Air Tractor aircraft can be found in more than 50 countries around the world and are supported by a global network of Air Tractor dealers.
About Thrush Aircraft, LLC
Thrush Aircraft, LLC, based in Albany, Georgia, is a leading manufacturer of agricultural and firefighting aircraft. The company produces a complete line of turbine-powered aircraft purpose-built for demanding aerial application and firefighting missions worldwide. Thrush aircraft operate in more than 80 countries and are known for their rugged construction, reliability, and mission-specific design.