New York, Jan 28, 2026, 10:53 EST — Regular session
- BBAI shares ticked up following the announcement of a new customs-and-borders partnership between BigBear.ai and AD Ports Group
- The agreement focuses on AI technology to accelerate cargo handling and enhance security checks at entry ports
- Investors are keeping an eye on the Feb. 17 deadline for a vote linked to a plan to increase the company’s authorized shares
Shares of BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc climbed in early trading Wednesday following news that AD Ports Group inked a partnership deal between its digital division, Maqta Technologies, and BigBear.ai’s U.A.E. operation. The stock gained 0.6% to $6.20, having spiked to $6.545 earlier, on volume near 25.9 million shares. 1
This announcement is significant since BigBear.ai tends to react strongly to headline news. Traders want concrete evidence that translates into revenue, not just another “explore” press release.
BigBear.ai’s pitch finds a natural home with ports and border agencies. Positioned where security, trade, and automation converge, these clients operate in a competitive space—but once procurement hurdles are cleared, the contracts can be substantial.
BigBear.ai announced a partnership to co-develop customs and border operations tools aimed at government authorities and port operators worldwide. Highlighting that seaborne trade accounts for about 70% of global commerce by value—around $17 trillion annually—the company said the initiative targets faster processing and better contraband detection. CEO Kevin McAleenan described the effort as “tailor-made to help governments pursue the twin objectives of increasing collections and enhancing security at pace.” 2
AD Ports Group announced that Maqta will provide port community systems and digital customs clearance infrastructure. BigBear.ai is set to supply automated image analysis and risk-management platforms. “We would be well positioned to deliver next-generation platforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and risk management,” said AD Ports Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. 3
The two parties kept details on financial terms and deployment schedules under wraps. Investors are left guessing whether the next steps involve pilots, contracts, or an extended run of workshops and prototypes.
Separately, shareholders are considering whether BigBear.ai should increase its stock issuance capacity. In a proxy filing dated Jan. 22, the company announced plans to resume an adjourned special meeting on Feb. 18. The agenda includes a vote on raising the authorized common shares — the legal limit on shares it can issue — from 500 million to 1 billion. Electronic voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 17. 4
That flexibility aids financing and compensation but raises dilution concerns if the company turns to the market. For a stock prone to sharp daily moves, the combination of “potential dilution” and “future contract” can work for or against investors.
The next key dates are the Feb. 17 voting deadline and the Feb. 18 meeting. On the partnership side, traders want something concrete: a paid pilot, a contract win, or at minimum, a clear timeline that shifts the story from conference talk to actual booked revenue.
