US-based HEMS operator Metro Aviation has signed a distributor agreement for the AW09 next generation single engine helicopter. Metro will act as a Leonardo distributor for the type in the US and Canada for all civil market applications, and the agreement includes a commitment for 30 units that will translate into preliminary sales contracts.

This latest deal builds on the collaboration started at Heli-Expo 2023 aimed at supporting the introduction and positioning of the AW09 in the US and, in doing so, benefitting from Metro Aviation's experience and capabilities in the development of aircraft interiors and STCs, service and training.

"I first saw the 09 prototype in 2017 and have been excited about bringing it to the US market since then," says president and CEO Mike Stanberry. "Metro has enjoyed a great partnership with Leonardo and designed multiple interiors for the 09. We look forward to integrating it into our fleet and performing completions for air medical, law enforcement, tourism and beyond."

Leonardo MD Gian Piero Cutillo adds: "We're excited to perform this further step forward in our collaboration with Metro which paves the way to the introduction of our new single engine in the important North American market. Also, combining our industrial capabilities with Metro Aviation's extensive and recognised experience in operations and support enhances the AW09 value proposition, providing superior mission capabilities to the operators of this platform."

Metro Aviation is an air medical completion centre and traditional air medical operator with more than 170 helicopters and aircraft in 27 states and the District of Columbia; its presence is evident for many air medical, law enforcement and other components and installations. It has developed and received FAA STCs for many air medical components and installations, both fixed and rotor wing, and quite often performs not only the installation, but purchases the aircraft and trains the ground and flight personnel.