Pegasus Aero Group and SkyConnect reach a long-term, multi-aircraft UH-60 Black Hawk lease agreement
Pegasus Aero Group has signed a long-term, multi-aircraft lease agreement with SkyConnect Leasing for UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, expanding its ability to support wildfire suppression, civil protection, and emergency-response missions. The agreement is designed to strengthen Pegasus’ fleet while giving the company greater flexibility than an outright aircraft purchase.
The deal also gives Pegasus access to SkyConnect’s dedicated Black Hawk leasing platform, which is focused on mission-critical operations. The companies said the partnership will support Pegasus’ expansion into European and Latin American markets.
Black Hawks Will Target Wildfire Missions
The UH-60L is increasingly being adopted for civilian wildfire operations because of its combination of heavy-lift capability, speed, durability and multi-mission flexibility. Former U.S. Army Black Hawks are being refurbished and adapted for firefighting as demand for high-performance helicopters grows.
Pegasus already operates a broad emergency-services business and has experience in forest-firefighting and civil protection. The company says its firefighting operation uses fixed-wing aircraft as well as light, medium and heavy helicopters.
SkyConnect Builds Black Hawk Leasing Platform
SkyConnect Leasing has developed a specialized leasing business around Black Hawks for aerial firefighting and emergency-response missions. Its model is aimed at operators that need aircraft without taking on the full capital cost and asset-management burden of ownership.
The company also provides support beyond simply supplying the helicopter. Its services include operational transition, maintenance planning, supply-chain support and lifecycle asset management, helping operators introduce the UH-60 into new operating environments.
Black Hawk Demand Is Growing in Europe
The Pegasus agreement comes as more European operators and governments turn to the Black Hawk for wildfire and emergency missions. Portugal, for example, has been building its own UH-60 fleet, while Spain recently received Europe's first restricted-category N-registered UH-60L for aerial firefighting.
Other European programs are also emerging. A separate five-year framework agreement announced in 2026 covers 10 UH-60 Black Hawks for SAF Aerogroup, while the Czech Republic has agreements covering modernized UH-60L helicopters and new S-70M Firehawks for police, search-and-rescue and firefighting missions.
Why Operators Want the UH-60L
Its military-derived design provides a large cabin, twin-engine configuration and strong lifting performance, while modified aircraft can be equipped with Bambi buckets or belly-mounted firefighting tanks.
The aircraft can also be configured for missions beyond firefighting, including search and rescue, emergency response, cargo transport and utility operations.
A New Civilian Market for Former Military Black Hawks
The Pegasus-SkyConnect agreement is another example of how surplus U.S. military Black Hawks are finding new lives in civilian aviation. The U.S. Army's Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction (BEST) program has moved hundreds of helicopters into civilian and international markets, creating a growing ecosystem of refurbishment, leasing and support companies.
The Pegasus deal shows how leasing is becoming another route for operators to bring UH-60s into emergency-service fleets without purchasing the aircraft outright.
Author: Kevin Macmellon
