Dallas, US. Metro Aviation and Airbus Helicopters have signed an agreement for up to 36 H140 helicopters in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector. Metro Aviation is one of the launch customers for the new H140 helicopter that was unveiled at the vertical lift industry show VERTICON in Dallas, Texas.
Metro Aviation, an air medical operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, has ordered 12 H140 helicopters, with options for 24 additional helicopters.
“We are excited about the H140 and all the improvements it brings to the helicopter industry. We have partnered with Airbus for over 40 years and it is good to have the opportunity to provide input into the design of this aircraft that is designed for the air medical mission. We are already in the process of designing a state of the art air-medical interior that will set the standard for providing safe and high quality air-medical transportation for the next several years,” said Todd Stanberry, Vice President of Metro Aviation.
“Our longstanding partners at Metro Aviation have built a reputation for delivering world-class services for customers and we are proud they will be partnering with us once again in the launch of the H140 helicopter,” said Bart Reijnen, President of Airbus Helicopters in the U.S. and Head of the North America region. “We are certain these new Airbus helicopters will enhance their operational capabilities, allowing them to better serve communities across the country.”
The H140 raises the bar, in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters’ current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.
The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful Safran engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimized cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.
Metro Aviation operates air medical helicopters and airplanes for healthcare providers and is a global leader for multi-mission helicopter customizations.
