METRO AVIATION INCREASES PRESENCE IN SOUTH AMERICA

March 7, 2017

Metro Aviation has enjoyed a relationship with South America since the early 1990’s, but recently increased its presence with a conference for several Argentina provinces and the delivery of two aircraft, one for Brazil and one for Argentina.

Metro hosted officials from the Argentina provinces of Buenos Aires, Chaco, Cordoba, Mendoza, Misiones, Tierra del Fuego and the Argentina Federal Police in November.  The seminar focused on completion capabilities and included representatives from both the law enforcement and EMS sector.  Metro also flew in translators to provide simultaneous interpretation and ensure a fluid translation for the attendees.

Metro worked closely with Pedro Martinez, Jr., a long-time friend and business partner, and owner of Aero-Link in Argentina to facilitate the conference and ensure the right audience was able to attend.  Metro President Mike Stanberry first met Pedro and his father at HELI-EXPO nearly 25 years ago. They completed the first transaction involving a service center selling brand new helicopters to a country outside of the United States with the sale of two BO105 aircraft. In addition to that sale, 4 of the existing police BO105’s were refurbished and upgraded to the BO105 CBS-5, or “Super Five”.

“The police needed some new aircraft on a tight deadline,” said Stanberry.  “We were recommended to Pedro as the only company that could realistically do the job.  We did, and the rest is history.  We’ve enjoyed a long relationship with the Martinez family and our friends in South America.”

“After a period of time with no presence in the Argentine market, relations between Metro and Aero-Link resumed in the same place it left off with the Buenos Aires Provincial Police,” said Metro Managing Director Milton Geltz.  “15 years ago, we refurbished several BO105 aircraft.  Our new project began with updating the first of seven AS350 B3 aircraft for the police.”  Metro’s completion center in Shreveport, Louisiana updated the avionics, gave the aircraft a new paint scheme, installed an air conditioning unit and completed its 12-year inspection.

In addition, Metro recently delivered a fully refurbished “globocopter” to Brazilian TV Station, Globo.  The AS350 underwent a complete transformation, taking its Electronic News Gathering (ENG) equipment from analog to digital and installing new internal cameras and talent lights for onboard interviews.  The aircraft is also equipped with HeliPaint, a telestration system that allows for freehand sketching over moving or still images, much like the graphics used by sports broadcasters.

“Working with Metro was a great experience, because the team was very professional and worked with us at a very high level to complete this complex integration,” said Edson Moura de Souza, Globo Support and Technology Manager. “We provide the best coverage in the world, and I believe our helicopter is the best in the world.  There is not one similar.”

“We are looking forward to doing more business in South America,” said Stanberry.  “Their helicopter market is in the middle of a growth spurt and we are happy to facilitate their needs and deliver a quality product.”

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