Helicopter completion center and air medical operator Metro Aviation (Booth No. 3528) announced developments in both its core businesses and a strong 2009 during a press conference yesterday. On the completions side, the company, which specializes in the Eurocopter AS350 series, is teaming with Cobham Avionics (Booth No. 4405) to obtain an STC for installation of HeliSAS on the AS350, which is expected to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety.

“Metro is on the cutting edge of safety initiatives,” said Metro Aviation president and owner Mike Stanberry.

The company also introduced its new Refurbishment Light program, through which all 2010 completion customers will be allowed to bring their helicopters back to the Shreveport, La.-based company after five years for a touch-up of paint, reupholstery, installation of any upgrades incorporated subsequent to the original completion, IFR recertification and weight and balance recalculation, at no charge.

Metro Aviation also announced three air medical operations it will begin operating: at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Cleveland Metro Hospital in Cleveland, and Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. Together, the three programs operate a total of 12 helicopters.

Bucking industry trends, Metro Aviation said 2009 was a strong year. “We didn’t see any downturn,” managing director Milton Geltz told AIN.