Metro Aviation, a provider in air-medical transport solutions and aircraft completions, announces two significant developments that strengthen its support for critical-care rotorcraft operations. First, Metro will be the first completion center to offer an EMS-interior supplemental type certificate (STC) for the new Airbus H160. Second, Metro has signed a purchase agreement for twelve Airbus H140 aircraft, which will be available for purchase and completion at Metro’s facility, offering air-medical operators a highly capable and mission-ready platform.

Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau of Japan takes delivery of its first Airbus H160, becoming the world’s first firefighting operator of the type. The helicopter will enter into service in early 2026 and will be deployed for a wide range of public-service missions, including aerial firefighting, search-and-rescue, emergency medical, and disaster-response operations such as reconnaissance of affected areas.

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announces that Global Medical Response (GMR) has signed a purchase agreement for seven Bell 429s with the option to purchase an additional eight, maintaining its spot as the world’s largest Bell helicopter operator in the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) field.

Smith Myers, a global cellular technology company, announces a major contract with Airbus Helicopters. Under the framework agreement, Smith Myers' ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS) will be factory-fitted and offered as a retrofit option across Airbus Helicopters' fleet of aircraft.

PHI MRO Services, a provider in helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, announces that it was recently awarded a completion contract for a Bell OH-58 Kiowa by the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO). The aircraft is set to be completed later this year. 

Pilots and air-traffic controllers have long faced challenges with radio communications — whether from high cockpit noise, weak transmissions or misinterpreted aviation jargon. To help them communicate more clearly and accurately, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University announces its researchers have developed a system that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe and translate aviation radio communications.

High Performance Helicopters (HP Helicopters) celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of exceptional service in the helicopter industry. Since its founding in 2005, the company has grown from a specialized aviation-services provider to a nationally recognized leader in complex helicopter operations, distinguished by its modern fleet, mobile maintenance capabilities, and unwavering commitment to safety.

Following its 2024 success in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, European Rotors, Europe’s leading rotorcraft and vertical-aviation event, will return Nov. 17-20, 2025, to Cologne, Germany. Owned by the European Helicopter Association (EHA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and produced by European Rotors GmbH with the support of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), European Rotors brings together operators, manufacturers, regulators and service providers from across the global vertical-flight sector.

Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings, available for all types of general, military/defense, and commercial aircraft, receive four AMS (Aerospace Material Specification) 3095B qualifications for the complete line of chrome-free systems for aircraft exterior coatings. These latest qualifications demonstrate that these coatings systems, and all their component products, meet the demanding industry standards for performance, durability and safety.

The Aerospace & Defense Training Center (ADTC) is celebrating its official grand opening on September 11, coinciding with the Composites and Advanced Manufacturing Expo (CAMX) held nearby in Orlando this year. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, ADTC is dedicated to developing the advanced manufacturing workforce for aerospace, defense and high-tech sectors.