Air Tractor Acquires Thrush Aircraft, Uniting Leland Snow Firms

Air Tractor Holdings has acquired Thrush Aircraft, LLC, bringing together two aircraft manufacturers whose histories trace back to aviation pioneer Leland Snow and his work in Olney.

The transaction closed April 3 and combines the companies under one corporate umbrella while allowing each brand to continue operating independently, according to a company news release. The amount and terms of the acquisition were not public.

Air Tractor CEO Jim Hirsch said the acquisition will help ensure the long-term stability of both companies while maintaining current operations.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Mr. Hirsch said in the release. “It’s the best path forward to ensure the longterm sustainability of Thrush and Air Tractor.”

Air Tractor will continue producing aircraft at its headquarters in Olney, while Thrush Aircraft will maintain its manufacturing operations in Albany, Georgia.

The acquisition reunites companies rooted in the aviation work of the late Mr. Snow, who designed his first crop-dusting aircraft in 1951 at age 21. After several years of testing, Mr. Snow founded Snow Aeronautical Company in Olney and began producing the Snow S-2 aircraft. In 1965, he sold the company to Rockwell-Standard. The designs were eventually sold to Thrush Corporation in Georgia.

Meanwhile, Mr. Snow established Air Tractor at his original headquarters in Olney. Today, Air Tractor manufactures eight aircraft models used worldwide for agricultural spraying, wildfire suppression, mosquito control and other specialized missions.

Company officials said the merger strengthens both companies while preserving their existing product lines and dealer networks.

“Our two companies share the same fundamental value proposition,” Mr. 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.”