Metro Aviation Advances H160 EMS Interior STC Development

The Memorial Hermann H160 serves as the primary conforming aircraft for Metro Aviation's comprehensive STC program.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:59pm

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Metro Aviation continues development of its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Airbus H160, marking another step forward in bringing next-generation air medical capabilities to operators around the world. The Memorial Hermann H160 currently on display at the Airbus booth serves as the primary conforming aircraft for Metro Aviation's comprehensive STC program, with formal issuance anticipated in June 2026.

Why it matters

The H160 platform offers significant advantages for air medical providers, enabling them to reach a larger service area and transport high-acuity patients—including specialized pediatric and neonatal cases—over longer distances with increased speed and efficiency. Metro Aviation's STC development will make these advanced air medical capabilities more accessible to operators worldwide.

The details

Through close collaboration between Metro Aviation and Airbus Helicopters throughout the development process, the teams have worked together to ensure the H160 platform is optimized for the unique demands of air medical operations. Metro Aviation is also evaluating the development of a more flexible carry-on equipment configuration to allow international operators to utilize the H160's advanced airframe while maintaining the equipment configurations that best support their operational models.

  • Metro Aviation continues development of its H160 STC.
  • The Memorial Hermann H160 is currently on display at the Airbus booth.
  • Formal issuance of the STC is anticipated in June 2026.

The players

Metro Aviation

An aviation company that is developing a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Airbus H160 to bring next-generation air medical capabilities to operators around the world.

Airbus Helicopters

The manufacturer of the Airbus H160 helicopter, which Metro Aviation is working with to optimize the platform for air medical operations.

Memorial Hermann

The organization that owns the H160 helicopter currently on display at the Airbus booth, which is serving as the primary conforming aircraft for Metro Aviation's STC program.

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What’s next

Following final STC approval, Metro Aviation plans to develop and offer a comprehensive H160 interior installation kit. This will enable qualified completion facilities and operators worldwide to install the Metro-designed interior, expanding access to next-generation air medical capability across the global H160 fleet.

The takeaway

Metro Aviation's development of an STC for the Airbus H160 will bring advanced air medical capabilities to operators around the world, allowing them to reach a larger service area and transport high-acuity patients more efficiently. This collaboration between Metro Aviation and Airbus Helicopters demonstrates the industry's commitment to advancing air medical technology and accessibility.