Louisiana-headquartered air medical operator and completion centre Metro Aviation has welcomed Guardian Air Transport to its family of operations customers, officially adding the state of Arizona to the company's list of operations. Guardian Air is the air medical programme for Northern Arizona Healthcare and utilises eight bases across the state for scene calls, inter-facility transfers and specialised neonatal transports.

“We are extremely humbled and honoured to have been chosen by the great people at Guardian Air and Northern Arizona Healthcare. We have spent a great deal of time getting to know the team at Guardian Air over the past several months and are excited to partner with another excellent, hospital-based air medical programme that shares our values and commitment to safety,” says Metro co-owner Todd Stanberry. “We've worked very hard to maintain as many of the programme's current pilots and maintenance technicians as possible to ensure continuity, with our collective effort always focused on safety. It is truly refreshing to witness such genuine passion and drive to do the right thing for the patient. This is displayed by every single person I have had the privilege of meeting at Guardian and NAH, and we have no doubt this is the start of a long and successful partnership.”

Assumption of operations doesn't happen overnight, and as Metro prepares to take over, its team has begun the process of training pilots, technicians, medical crews and communication specialists. Additionally, Metro's outreach team is meeting with Guardian Air's leadership to review business strategies, billing practices and ensure Guardian is set up for success from day one.

“Lasting partnerships exist between individuals, not businesses. It is my sincere belief that the people of Metro Aviation will provide top notch service, safety and communication,” adds Guardian Air programme director Dustin Windle. “As we navigate the changes in healthcare and aviation, Metro's values and vision align perfectly with ours. I'm excited to see where this partnership takes us.”

Guardian Air Transport is the first non-profit air ambulance in Arizona and the 41st operations customer for Metro Aviation. It will transition its FAR Part 135 oversight, that includes pilots and mechanics, from its previous 25 year contract with Air Methods over the next few months, but will continue to support that programme until 27 September.