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Metro signs distribution agreement for Leonardo AW09 helicopters in North America

Leonardo and Metro Aviation, a prime privately owned Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operator in the United States, signed a distributor agreement for Leonardo’s AW09 single-engine helicopter. Metro will act as a Leonardo distributor for the type in the US and Canada for all civil market applications. The distributor agreement includes a commitment from Metro for 30 units that will translate into preliminary sales contracts.

This new deal builds on a collaboration between the two companies that started at Heli-Expo 2023 aiming to benefit from Metro’s experience in the development of aircraft interiors and supplemental type certificates, as well as service and training.

“We’re excited to perform this further step forward in our collaboration with Metro which paves the path to the introduction of our new single engine in the important North American market,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, MD of Leonardo Helicopters.

Leonardo states the total number of preliminary sales contracts for the AW09 will soon exceed 100 units globally.

“I first saw the 09 prototype in 2017 and have been excited about bringing it to the US market since then,” said Metro Aviation 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.”

Metro Aviation is described as the world’s largest air medical completion centre and traditional air medical operator, with more than 170 helicopters and airplanes in 27 states and the District of Columbia.