HealthNet Aeromedical Services, in collaboration with Marshall Health Network and its long-standing aviation partner Air Methods, has welcomed a new Airbus H135 helicopter during a recent event. The new aircraft, which will be delivered to HealthNet's Huntington, West Virginia base location at Cabell Huntington Hospital in December 2025, will replace the current single-engine EC130 at that base, marking another milestone in the nearly 40-year partnership between the two organisations, one rooted in a shared mission to provide safe, high-quality air medical transport across Central Appalachia. With this upgrade, all 10 HealthNet Aeromedical Services aircraft will be twin-engine, single pilot, instrument flight rules (IFR) platforms.

“Throughout our history, we have focused on sustaining a high-performing system predicated on long-standing relationships,” says HealthNet Aeromedical Services president and CEO Clinton Burley, adding that the programme was built on legacy relationships. “Such is the case with our partnership with Air Methods. We share mutual trust that leads to increased safety and improved outcomes for patients. This new aircraft is but another example of how this solid foundation benefits those whom our programme serves.”

“The power, speed and payload of the Airbus H-135 will greatly benefit both our patients and healthcare providers,” adds Tim Martin, COO of Marshall Health Network at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

The H135 offers improved weight-bearing capacity, allowing for the safe transport of heavier patients or those requiring additional medical equipment. With a larger cabin space of 6.1 cubic metres compared to 3.7 cubic metres in the EC130, the new helicopter will provide medical crews with more room to deliver critical care level services in flight.

The H135 also enhances HealthNet's mission capabilities by allowing for planned flights under IFR, ensuring safer operation in challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain or low clouds. Its rear clamshell-style doors make loading and offloading patients easier and more efficient, ultimately improving response times and patient experiences.

“For more than 40 years, Air Methods and HealthNet Aeromedical Services have built a partnership rooted in trust, clinical excellence, safety and a shared passion for saving lives,” notes Tony Raymond, senior vice president of major accounts at Air Methods. “This fleet investment is just one more example of how we are working together to advance care for patients across the region.”

Air Methods' experienced and robust maintenance team will support the new H135, ensuring that the aircraft remains mission-ready and well-maintained.

With four additional aircraft purchases previously announced, this new helicopter assigned to Huntington will represent the fifth brand-new aircraft to join HealthNet Aeromedical Services' fleet in 2025.