What Berry Aviation does

Berry Aviation, Inc. is a privately held, certified small business providing manned and unmanned aviation services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, founded in 1983 in Austin, Texas, and headquartered at San Marcos Regional Airport since 1993. The company operates a fleet of over 30 aircraft — including Dash 8, Twin Otter, Metro III, EMB-120 Brasilia, UH-72A Lakota, and Mi-8T — from seven satellite locations across three continents and the Pacific Islands, conducting CONUS and OCONUS passenger transport, aerial delivery (including parachute resupply), CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, ISR, and fixed-wing Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations. Core technical capabilities include FAA Part 135 Aerial Delivery Program with worldwide execution authority, FAA-approved fixed-wing NVG operations, CAMTS Special Operations accreditation for OCONUS, and a multi-role aircraft platform with field-reconfigurable LOPAs. Berry Aviation also operates an Autonomous & Unmanned Aviation Division in Stillwater, Oklahoma (with personnel in Edmond) that performs UAS design, rapid prototyping, aeroacoustic testing, payload integration (EO/IR, EW), and Counter-UAS red/blue/white team test and evaluation.

The company monetizes across six revenue streams: (1) multi-year IDIQ government contracts for aviation services delivered via GSA ASTRO, USTRANSCOM WASP-135, and Trans-Africa Airlift Support (a one-year AFRICOM option carries a ceiling of up to $157.8 million); (2) commercial Part 135 on-demand passenger charter; (3) on-demand cargo via dedicated all-cargo EMB-120 Brasilias with one-hour launch capability; (4) FAA- and EASA-certified MRO/CRO services from a 65,000+ sq ft facility; (5) FBO ground services, fuel sales, and line services at San Marcos; and (6) aftermarket parts distribution through the Bayview Aviation subsidiary. Acquisition by Bristow Group Inc. for $105 million in cash (announced June 2026, expected close Q3 2026) crystallizes an exit value at roughly 1x revenue, and prior ownership by Acorn Growth Companies (acquired 2018) sponsored the recent capability and infrastructure expansion (new maintenance hangar in 2019, UAS Division in 2021, USSOCOM UAS contract in 2022). The company has logged 14,000+ annual flight and ground operations with 95%+ operational readiness and zero fatalities over 35+ years as a CARB-approved air carrier.

Name

Berry Aviation

Legal name

Berry Aviation, Inc.

Website

https://berryaviation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Berry Aviation is a privately held DOD CARB-approved Part 135 air carrier headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, providing manned and unmanned aviation services — passenger transport, cargo, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, ISR, NVG operations, and aerial delivery — to the U.S. Department of Defense, allied federal agencies, and select commercial customers across seven global operating locations, with adjacent MRO/CRO, FBO, and parts distribution revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special-mission aviation services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881), Airport Operations (48811)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Air Courier Services (4513)

akta.pro primary industry

Humanitarian, Relief & Government Cargo Airlift (THABAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation) (IMABALAJ), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO), Air Medical Transport (Helicopter/Fixed-Wing) (HLAFANAD), Private Aviation Ground Support & Trip Services (Dispatch, Permits, Handling) (THABAFAK), Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility) (EDAOAFAO)

Keywords

• Government aviation services
• Special mission airlift
• Aeromedical evacuation
• Aircraft MRO services
• On-demand cargo charter

Headquarters

HQ city

San Marcos

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government/Defense Aviation Services: Berry Aviation generates the majority of its revenue through contracted aviation services for the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. Services include passenger and cargo transport, aerial delivery, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, ISR, and surveillance operations under multi-yearIDIQ contracts and delivery orders. The company was acquired by Bristow Group in 2026 for $105M in cash.
2. Commercial Charter and On-Demand Cargo: The company operates commercial Part 135 charter services for non-scheduled passenger and all-cargo operations. On-Demand Cargo services use dedicated all-cargo EMB-120 Brasilias serving the whole-airplane cargo market, with short-notice launch capability (airborne within one hour of notification).
3. MRO and Component Repair & Overhaul (CRO): Berry Aviation generates revenue through airframe maintenance, component repair and overhaul, landing gear overhauls, and non-destructive testing services. The company operates a 65,000+ square foot MRO facility at San Marcos Regional Airport, certified by FAA and EASA under Part 145.
4. Fixed Base Operator (FBO): The FBO at San Marcos Regional Airport provides ground services including fuel (100LL and Jet-A), line services, GPU/lavatory services, tie-down, hangar space, and concierge services to visiting flight crews and aircraft operators.
5. Parts Distribution and Supply Chain: Bayview Aviation, a division of Berry Aviation, serves as an approved parts dealer and aftermarket supplier for regional aircraft including EMB-120, ATR-42/72, ERJ 135/145, Fokker F100, B1900, King Air, Dash 8, Dornier 328, and CRJ, generating revenue through parts sales.
6. UAS Research and Development: Berry Aviation's Autonomous & Unmanned Aviation Division conducts R&D contracts (e.g., $1.45M USSOCOM contract for Group 1 UAS development) and provides Counter-UAS services, representing a growing revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Berry Aviation provides multi-role manned aviation services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies, including passenger and cargo transport, aerial delivery, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, ISR, and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations under FAA Part 135 worldwide. The company also operates on-demand cargo using all-cargo EMB-120 Brasilia aircraft, FAA/EASA Part 145 airframe MRO and Component Repair & Overhaul (CRO) from its 65,000+ sq ft San Marcos facility, fixed-base operator (FBO) services, an Autonomous & Unmanned Aviation Division doing UAS design, Counter-UAS and R&D, and regional aircraft parts distribution via its Bayview Aviation division.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bayview Aviation: A division of Berry Aviation providing aircraft parts and supply services for regional and commuter aircraft marketplace, including EMB-120, ATR-42/72, ERJ 135/145, Fokker F100, B1900, King Air, DASH 8, Dornier 328 family, and CRJ aircraft.

Products and services

• Government & Defense Aviation Services Multi-role fixed-wing passenger and cargo transport, aerial delivery, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, ISR, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations, and UAS/Counter-UAS support delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense (all branches, including USSOCOM, USTRANSCOM, AFRICOM) and other federal non-defense agencies through GSA ASTRO IDIQ, USTRANSCOM WASP-135, and Trans-Africa Airlift Support IDIQ contracts.
• On Demand Cargo Commercial Part 135 on-demand cargo charter using dedicated all-cargo EMB-120 Brasilias serving U.S., Canada, and Mexico markets, with one-hour short-notice launch capability for whole-airplane cargo including AOG parts, marine parts, human tissue/organ transport, and live animals.
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) FAA and EASA Part 145 certified airframe and powerplant maintenance for turboprop and turbine aircraft at Berry Aviation's 65,000+ sq ft San Marcos Regional Airport facility (including a 31,400 sq ft hangar, 19,300 sq ft aircraft maintenance area, and authorized IceShield de-ice boot installation); delivered to internal fleet and external commercial customers.
• Component Repair and Overhaul (CRO) FAA-approved component repair and overhaul, including Beyond Economical Repair (BER) recoveries, landing gear overhauls, and non-destructive testing; supplied to commercial operators under per-engagement pricing.
• Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Services FBO ground services at San Marcos Regional Airport (KHYI) including 100LL and Jet-A fuel, line services, GPU/lavatory services, tie-down, hangar space, and concierge services to visiting flight crews and aircraft operators.
• Autonomous & Unmanned Aviation (UAS) Services UAS design and rapid prototyping using CAD/SolidWorks and 3D printing; aeroacoustic characterization, design, and testing; Counter-UAS Adaptive Red/Blue/White Team Test and Evaluation; and payload integration for EO/IR sensors, EW payloads, and advanced avionics — sold to USSOCOM, U.S. Army, and other defense agencies under R&D and service contracts.
• Group 1 Unmanned Aircraft System (SOF variant) Berry Aviation-developed Group 1 UAS platform designed for Special Operations Forces operating in contested environments; built under USSOCOM Science and Technology Directorate contract.
• Bayview Aviation Parts Distribution Aftermarket parts distribution and supply for regional and commuter aircraft including EMB-120, ATR-42/72, ERJ 135/145, Fokker F100, B1900, King Air, Dash 8, Dornier 328, CRJ, PW100, and PT6 series engines; FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-56 accredited.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero fatalities in 35+ years of continuous service as a CARB-approved Part 135 air carrier
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bristow Group Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026Bristow Group Inc. agreed to acquire Berry Aviation Inc. from Acorn Growth Companies for $105 million in cash in June 2026. The deal was expected to close in Q3 2026. The acquisition was expected to strengthen Bristow's government services offerings by adding differentiated special mission capabilities and increasing exposure to contracted government services. Bristow would become Berry Aviation's new parent company.
• GSA (General Services Administration) / FEDSIMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerry Aviation participates as a contractor under GSA's ASTRO IDIQ contract vehicle, managed by GSA's FEDSIM office. ASTRO supports DoD and federal agencies in acquiring services for manned, unmanned, optionally manned systems, and robotics across operations, maintenance, readiness, and systems development. Berry Aviation's ASTRO capabilities include global aviation special operations support, expeditionary airdrop and ISR missions, and aircraft maintenance and logistics.
• U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerry Aviation holds delivery orders under USTRANSCOM's Worldwide Airlift Services Program – Part 135 (WASP-135) and Trans-Africa Airlift Support IDIQ. USTRANSCOM awarded Berry Aviation a delivery order for airlift services within AFRICOM area of responsibility, and a one-year contract option valued up to $157.8M for continued rotary and fixed-wing airlift support to AFRICOM.
• U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSSOCOM's Science and Technology Directorate awarded Berry Aviation a $1.45M contract to design and develop a new Group 1 Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS) for Special Operations Forces. The design employs advanced technologies uniquely suited to SOF members operating in contested environments. This partnership is a key driver of Berry Aviation's growing UAS division.
• Bayview Aviation (subsidiary/division)coreOthersBayview Aviation is a division of Berry Aviation acquired in February 2015 by BAI Holdings LLC. It operates as a sister company to Berry Aviation and has become one of the world's largest EMB-120 aftermarket suppliers. Bayview supports regional aircraft including EMB-120, ATR-42/72, ERJ 135/145, Fokker F100, B1900, King Air, Dash 8, Dornier 328, CRJ, PW100, and PT6 series engines. It is accredited to FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-56.
• Texas Aviation Partners (TAP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas Aviation Partners participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Berry Aviation's new maintenance hangar grand opening alongside Berry Aviation leadership, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, and Acorn Growth Companies. TAP is a partner at San Marcos Regional Airport.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Anduril Industries: Defense technology company producing autonomous systems (UAS, counter-UAS, AI-enabled ISR) for DOD customers. Direct overlap with Berry Aviation's UAS division on counter-UAS and ISR payload integration for special operations forces.

Broad incumbents

• Textron Aviation: Manufacturer of Beechcraft and Cessna turboprop and business aircraft used by the DOD and special-mission operators. Supplies the platform types (e.g., King Air, Beech 1900) that Berry and similar operators fly for government customers.
• KBR Inc. (Government Solutions): Large government services prime providing aviation logistics, base operations support, and ISR support across DOD and federal customers. Overlaps with Berry on logistics and operations support, though Berry is niche fixed-wing special-mission.

Direct peers

• AAR Corp: Provider of aviation services to government and commercial customers, including MRO, parts supply, and integrated solutions through Government Services, Aviation Services, and Expeditionary Services. Comparable mix of government aviation support with MRO and parts-distribution adjacencies.
• PHI Aviation: Provides helicopter transportation services to oil-and-gas and government customers, including emergency medical, search-and-rescue, and utility support. Comparable special-mission aviation operator with deep DOD/government contract footprint.
• MAG Aerospace: Provider of aviation ISR, special operations support, and aerial training services to US and allied governments. Operates fixed-wing and rotary ISR platforms and deploys CASEVAC/MEDEVAC support to combat zones — directly mirroring Berry's fixed-wing ISR and CASEVAC capabilities.
• Bristow Group Inc. Acquirer of Berry Aviation and a global leader in government and offshore helicopter services with SAR, SAR/EMS, and utility operations. Directly comparable special-mission aviation operator that also serves DOD, with overlapping ISR/MEDEVAC capability sets.
• Metro Aviation: Provider of air medical transport, charter, and aviation completion services with CAMTS-accredited helicopter EMS programs. Comparable CAMTS-accredited medical-transport operator with similar government/EMS customer overlap.
• Amentum (formerly DynCorp International): Large government services contractor providing aviation maintenance, logistics, and operational support across the DOD and federal civilian agencies. Competes for many of the same IDIQ task orders and provides comparable crewed aviation and MRO services.

Others

• Helicopter Association International (HAI) member operators / PHI-affiliated regional EMS operators: Industry trade association and adjacent ecosystem of US Part 135 air carriers, EMS helicopter operators, and CAMTS-accredited medical transport providers serving similar DOD and commercial cargo/MEDEVAC markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/berry-aviation-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berry Aviation