Air Tractor celebrates historic milestone with delivery of 5,000th aircraft

Air Tractor, Inc. celebrated the 5,000th aircraft produced at its manufacturing headquarters in Olney, Texas, on May 28.

Company officials noted that the achievement marks decades of growth and evolution for the Manufacturer.

"This achievement reflects the people behind the aircraft — the employees who build them, the operators who depend on them, and the dealers who support customers worldwide," said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. "What began with the radial-engine AT-300s and AT-301s has grown into a line of eight turboprop aircraft because customers have continued to place confidence in the airplanes and the company behind them."

The 5,000th aircraft, an AT-502B, was purchased by Dorilino Prediger of Brazil through Air Tractor dealer AgSur Aviones. It joins three other Air Tractor aeroplanes at his aerial application company located at Sorriso, in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The sale reflects Air Tractor's strong presence in Latin America, where aerial application plays an important role in agricultural production.

"The Air Tractor aircraft represents exactly what we seek in agricultural aviation: simplicity, practicality, and robustness," said Prediger. "In every detail, we can clearly see the commitment to an aircraft built for the field, capable of operating on an unprepared dirt strip, while also offering agility, confidence, and performance.

"Air Tractor aeroplanes have become an essential tool for us. They transformed our operation. It is a great satisfaction and a source of pride to be receiving Air Tractor aircraft number 5,000," Prediger added.

The 5,000th Air Tractor celebration began at 11 a.m. at Air Tractor's manufacturing headquarters with opening remarks and a luncheon for employees and guests. Attendees also toured the production facilities and gathered for a group photo in front of the 5,000th aircraft.

Public officials, civic leaders, and community representatives attended the event alongside executives from Pratt & Whitney Canada, manufacturer of the PT6 turbine engines used in Air Tractor aircraft. The engine manufacturer's leadership team presented Hirsch with a commemorative award recognising the companies' long-standing business relationship.

"Delivering our 5,000th aircraft reflects the business strategy Leland Snow established for the company more than 50 years ago," Hirsch said. "It is a vision centred on productivity, durability, and service to growers worldwide."

Soon, the AT-502B aeroplane will ferry to Prediger's operation, departing from Air Tractor to Cresson, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Saint George, Grenada, to Manaus, Brazil, Cuiaba, and finally to Sorriso.

Thank you to our incredible manufacturing team, our global dealer network, our operators, and loyal partners around the world for helping us reach this monumental milestone.

Here's to the next 5,000.