Life Flight Network, the USA's largest not-for-profit air ambulance provider, has opened a critical care transport base at Hillsboro airport in Hillsboro, Oregon. Fixed-wing operations will begin in January 2026, with helicopter services to follow. The new base reflects Life Flight's commitment to expanding rural and regional access to lifesaving emergency air medical care throughout Washington County and neighbouring Clatsop, Tillamook, Columbia, Clackamas and Multnomah counties.

The Hillsboro base is a meaningful homecoming for Life Flight Network, which established its first standalone base at Hillsboro airport after transitioning away from a hospital operating structure in the early 2000s. It will house a Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft and an Airbus H135 helicopter, each equipped to provide ICU-level care and rapid transport for critically ill and injured patients. Both aircraft function as mobile intensive care units, carrying advanced medical equipment and blood products to support patients in their most critical moments.

The base will be staffed by highly trained pilots, flight nurses, flight paramedics and aircraft mechanics, ensuring round-the-clock readiness to deliver lifesaving care across the region.

“We are honoured to expand our presence in Oregon with this new base in Hillsboro,” says Ben Clayton, CEO of Life Flight Network. “Hillsboro played an important role in our early evolution as an independent programme, and returning here allows us to build on that legacy while expanding lifesaving access for communities across the region.”

Regional leaders highlight the base as a crucial step in meeting the needs of a rapidly growing area. “The addition of Life Flight Network's critical care transport base ensures our community and our neighbouring communities have faster access to the highest level of care in the most urgent moments,” says City of Hillsboro fire and rescue chief David Downey. “This is a tremendous resource for Washington County and an important step forward for regional preparedness.”

The base will create around 20 local jobs, supporting the regional economy while enhancing access to specialised, ICU-level care in flight.