Positive Aviation

The FF72 is available in two versions: FF72-Scooper and FF72-Tanker.

Positive Aviation develops and implements modifications on second-hand ATR 72 aircraft to create amphibious firefighter planes, the FF72, combining aeronautical and naval expertise.

Julien graduated from Supaéro and worked at Renault as a project manager for optimization and simulation solutions. He later joined Airbus, holding roles in avionics, propulsion, structure, and systems installation across programs like the A320 family and A330.

Laurent worked as an aerodynamic engineer at Dassault Aviation for nine years, contributing to the Rafale, Falcon, and NEURON programs. He later joined Airbus, where he held roles in the A320neo, A380, and was Chief Engineer for the A380 FALs in Toulouse and Hamburg.

Simon trained in ESSEC and CPA before working in banking and community services, supporting export financing projects. He joined Airbus Group in 1993, contributing to ATR programs and later integrating the Group’s center of competence.

“Positive Aviation offers a shortcut to new firefighter plane production – the FF72 family”

A French startup repurposes retired military and commercial aircraft into water-bombing planes to combat wildfires. The converted planes use tanks installed in the cargo holds to drop water on blazes, addressing Europe’s rising fire risks. The initiative aims to provide a cost-effective, rapid-response solution for firefighting efforts across the continent.

Aug 2026The IndependentNews article

Positive Aviation secures €8 million in funding to advance its FF72 water-scooping firefighting aircraft. The capital supports development of the specialized aircraft designed for aerial firefighting operations. The FF72 is engineered to combat wildfires by scooping water from lakes or reservoirs mid-flight.

Jun 2025AirMed&RescueNews article

Bridger Aerospace secures the exclusive North American launch customer role for Positive Aviation’s FF72 firefighting seaplane, an amphibious water-scooping aircraft based on the ATR 72-600. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, positions Bridger as the first buyer of the new firefighting aircraft. The FF72 is designed for reliability and efficiency in aerial firefighting operations.

Apr 2025Seaplane InternationalNews article

Bridger Aerospace secures the exclusive North American launch customer role for Positive Aviation’s FF72 amphibious water-scooping aircraft. The agreement, pending final negotiations, positions Bridger as the first operator in the region for the fixed-wing water-scooping aircraft.

Mar 2025AirMed&RescueNews article