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As with the H160, Metro has been actively collaborating with Airbus since early 2020 on the development of this next-generation aircraft, ensuring that the unique requirements of air medical operators are incorporated from the outset. This partnership underscores Metro’s commitment to shaping the future of rotorcraft through operator- driven innovation.
Metro Aviation Advances Air Medical Capabilities with H160 EMS Interior STC and H140 Fleet Expansion
Metro Aviation recently announced two significant developments that strengthen its support for critical-care rotorcraft operations. First, Metro will be the first completion center to offer an EMS- interior supplemental type certificate (STC) for the new Airbus H160. Second, Metro has signed a purchase agreement for 12 Airbus H140 aircraft, which will be available for purchase and completion at Metro’s facility, offering air-medical operators a highly capable and mission- ready platform.
Advancing EMS mission readiness with the H160
The H160 introduces a new chapter in Airbus’s rotorcraft line, positioned between the H145 and H175 in size and mission capacity. Its advanced design, featuring the Helionix avionics suite, Blue Edge rotor blades, a Fenestron tail and quieter operations, makes it uniquely suited for medical-evacuation environments where speed, situational awareness and reduced noise footprint matter.
Metro Aviation has worked closely with the Airbus team over the past several years in anticipation of the aircraft’s certification. In tandem, Metro partnered
with the end users of the first two H160 deliveries to collaboratively design a mission-ready EMS interior tailored to their unique critical care needs.
Metro’s STC package will tailor the H160 to the critical care transport role, integrating intensive-care capable stretcher systems, medical equipment interfaces, optimized patient/caregiver cabin layouts, and efficient loading access. By being first to market with this EMS-interior STC, Metro affords operators a strategic advantage in fielding a next-generation rotorcraft optimized for lifesaving missions.
Metro also has plans to make the STC available as a kit, making it available for Europe and the rest of the globe.
Expanding fleet options with the H140
Complementing the medium-twin H160 offering, Metro’s agreement to purchase 12 H140 aircraft provides air-medical providers with a highly capable light- twin option for critical-care transports, interfacility moves, and other rapid response missions.
Metro Aviation is slated to receive the first two U.S. deliveries of the H140 beginning in 2029. This early access allows Metro to work directly with operators to develop an EMS interior precisely tailored to their mission needs.
According to Airbus, the H140 is designed with a large cabin space, large windows and an optimized layout that can accommodate intensive-care stretchers and transport incubators, while its large sliding doors and rear loading capability support accessibility of patients and medical teams. The aircraft’s five-blade bearingless main rotor, T-shaped tail boom with Fenestron, and the Helionix avionics system bring performance, safety and operational efficiency to the mission-ready platform.
By placing this fleet order, Metro is positioning its customers to access a platform that is mission-capable today and well suited for EMS interior configurations. Metro’s completion expertise will ensure that each H140 is tailored for the air-medical mission with best-in-class design, compliance and performance.
Metro Aviation’s dual announcement marks a strategic advancement for the air-medical community by enhancing aircraft options, enabling mission- specific completions, and supporting the evolution of critical-care transport by bringing next-generation rotorcraft to life.
Metro expects to have the H160 STC finalized near the end of Q1 2026.
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Nov/Dec 2025
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