Global Demand Lifts Air Tractor to Another Strong Year
OLNEY, Texas — While much of the global manufacturing sector spent 2025 navigating turbulence, Air Tractor continued to fly straight and level, supported by strong international demand and a focus on quality and operational excellence.
“We believe 2026 will shape up to be another great year for Air Tractor,” said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. “We continue to operate from a position of stability, despite supply chain pressures and global economic uncertainty.”
Air Tractor closed 2025 with the production of 189 aircraft at its headquarters in Olney, Texas. Agricultural planes are still the core of Air Tractor production. The firefighting market continued to mark strong growth, with 45 AT-802 series planes delivered to the firefighting sector. The Armed Overwatch program with L3Harris remains a small but important production segment, accounting for approximately 6 percent of production.
“Demand is still robust,” Hirsch said. “The market remains strong, particularly for our firefighting and military aircraft, and production of the AT-802 line continues to grow. While 2025 was not ideal, we adjusted timelines while waiting on critical components, and we worked smart and diligently. We truly benefit from our strong dealer network and a dedicated workforce that goes above and beyond every day.”
Forward-Looking Strategies In Challenging Times
Entering 2026, Air Tractor does so from a position of market leadership and operational strength, which are important advantages as industries continue to face pressure from tariffs, supply chain issues, and cost volatility. However, Hirsch noted that material cost inflation remains substantial, driven by tariffs and supplier pricing. As a result, the company plans a price increase in 2026 to partially offset these pressures.
Air Tractor’s leadership, workforce, capital investments, and deep industry expertise continue to provide guidance. Operational excellence initiatives implemented in recent years, such as the Material Delivery System (MDS), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), and improved factory flow practices including FIFO, Kanban, and one-piece flow, are now delivering measurable benefits.
The company is also investing in infrastructure and equipment, including a new R&D facility, plant expansions for the weld shop, fab shop, and flight line hangar, and new manufacturing equipment such as lasers, mills, and grinders.
Hirsch also highlighted several notable product upgrades, including a new FAA-approved blower motor, improved gatebox gasket material, CiES fuel senders becoming standard on select models beginning in 2026, and new engine-driven fuel pumps on certain aircraft.
Worldwide Demand on the Rise
Air Tractor aircraft remain in strong demand globally, with Europe and Latin America leading international orders. International sales accounted for approximately 70 percent of total volume in 2025, with Brazil alone receiving more than 85 aircraft.
Global wildfire activity continues driving demand for Air Tractor’s firefighting aircraft. While the heightened need reflects challenging wildfire conditions, Hirsch emphasized the critical role these aircraft play in protecting lives and property.
“The fact that so many countries rely on our aircraft shows just how essential they’ve become,” Hirsch said. “From fighting wildfires to supporting farmers, our planes are making a real difference every day.”
Beyond the Aircraft
Air Tractor continues to expand its investment in AMT training. With the new Training Manager AJ Sherer in place, the company is planning to expand programs to better equip operators and maintenance crews with practical knowledge and support resources. Air Tractor currently offers two free training courses with the purchase of a new aircraft, and the 2026 training schedule is available at www.airtractor.com/training.
The company continues to improve digital support, offering free online access to manuals through its updated website, along with expanded instructional and support video content on YouTube.
As Air Tractor responds to industry challenges through operational efficiency initiatives, selective price adjustments, and an unwavering focus on quality and customer support, the company remains committed to its core mission: building dependable, purpose-built aircraft for agricultural and firefighting markets.
“Our mission hasn’t changed, but the way we meet it continues to evolve,” Hirsch said. “We’re committed to building aircraft that aren’t just dependable today, but ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”