HealthNet Aeromedical Services, a statewide hospital-based programme headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, is adding an IFR-equipped Airbus EC145e to its fleet. The aircraft will enter service later this month in support of the Charleston Area Medical Center. This is the eleventh HealthNet interior completed by Metro Aviation.

“HealthNet Aeromedical Services values its decades-long partnership with Metro Aviation for completion services on our twin-engine aircraft and with Airbus for our entire fleet of helicopters,” says HealthNet Aeromedical Services president and CEO Clinton Burley. “These relationships are built on mutual respect and a crystal-clear focus on operational safety and the clinical needs of the patients we serve.”

“Few things in this industry are as important as the relationships you build,” adds Metro Aviation president and CEO Mike Stanberry. “One of the relationships we are most proud of is the one we've developed with Clinton Burley and HealthNet Aeromedical Services. They are frontrunners in everything they do and we are proud to be a small part of it.”

Metro completed the aircraft at its Shreveport, Louisiana headquarters, equipping the EC145e with a Metro Aviation medical interior. The aircraft is also equipped with the Genesys Aerosystems IFR platform with HeliSAS/EFIS technology and three-axis autopilot.

Ahead of the first aircraft entering service, HealthNet has signed an agreement to purchase a second EC145e, to be delivered in 2021. That aircraft will replace the programme's current EC145 serving its Morgantown, West Virginia base, which supports WVU Medicine. The aircraft's improved capabilities will greatly enhance the hospital's ability to transport ECMO, paediatric and other specialty patients.

“HealthNet Aeromedical Services and its owner health systems are pleased to place an order for another EC145e. This signing marks our third such aircraft in the 145 series,” reveals Burley. “Undoubtedly the 145e is the most mission-versatile and cost-effective helicopter air ambulance platform available. Its utilisation within our fleet exemplifies our 34-year commitment to the delivery of safe, high quality and cutting-edge transport medicine. We are pleased to partner with both Airbus and Metro Aviation and see this aircraft enter patient service in 2021.”

The EC145e will join HealthNet Aeromedical Services' current Airbus-exclusive fleet, consisting of two EC145s, five EC135s, and four EC130s.