As Air Tractor marks its 50th anniversary it will also be celebrating its Lone Star State roots
during the NAAA 2024 Ag Aviation Expo in Fort Worth, Texas. “We want to welcome everyone to Air Tractor country, says Jim Hirsch, president of Air Tractor. “All of us are looking forward to sharing some genuine Texas hospitality with our friends in November.”
This year, the Olney, Texas airplane manufacturer will not only display two airplanes at the Fort Worth Convention Center but will also provide a motorcoach excursion tour to Air Tractor headquarters and manufacturing facilities Thursday, November 21st.
On Track for a Record-Breaking Year Hirsch reports that Air Tractor is on track for a strong year of aircraft production with a focus on building high quality products. “I anticipate that we will produce between 205 and 210 airplanes by the end of the year.” Hirsch says world demand in the ag sector is quite strong. Brazil is extremely robust, with dealers reporting cash deposits for 2026 airplanes already on the books, while other countries are also reporting high demand.
Moreover, the fire sector is robust, with strong 802F sales in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
“We are producing roughly 30 firefighting airplanes a year now, with a goal of 35 or more next year. We have responded to the firefighting market and have them slotted in our production schedule,” Hirsch explained.
Air Tractor has also started production to fulfill its military contract, with nine AT-802U aircraft completed. “The 802U program has come online and is moving forward,” Hirsch reports. Navigating Supply Chain Challenges After several years of supply-chain challenges, Air Tractor has developed ways to adapt to delays from suppliers. “We’ve onshored some foreign supply. During the past three years, lead times have been extended, and that’s still happening occasionally, but we’ve finally begun to see a little stability in the markets.” Hirsch said.
Expansion and Capital Improvements
To accommodate this growth, Air Tractor is continuing its capital improvement projects to
enhance production capacity and streamline operations. The R&D department moved into its new area in December and January, Hirsch reports. “Now that they have settled into their new surroundings, they’re building additional tooling for flaps and ailerons, rudders, vertical fins and other subassemblies.”
The weld shop has been expanded, and an expansion to Plant 1 was completed in June, with fuselage frame weld fixtures moving into the additional space. Up next is the expansion of Plant 2 and Plant 2A to increase the capacity of the sheet metal shop. Drainage and site work are underway now in preparation for the construction of Plant 5.
“Fortunately, with the robust strong market, we can afford reinvest in the business and prepare for greater things in the production world going forward. And it’s really good to see demand for Air Tractor airplanes is staying strong,” Hirsch says.
Visit the Air Tractor booths 1223 and 1201 during the NAAA 2024 Ag Aviation Expo. For more information, visit AirTractor.com.
