HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – In collaboration with Marshall Health Network, HealthNet Aeromedical Services and its long-standing aviation partner Air Methods proudly announced the planned arrival of a new Airbus H135 helicopter during an April 8 event at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
The new aircraft, which will be delivered to HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ Huntington base location in December 2025, will replace the current EC130, marking another milestone in the nearly 40-year partnership between the two organizations — 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.
HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ President and CEO Clinton Burley said the program was built on legacy relationships.
“Throughout our history, we have focused on sustaining a high-performing system predicated on long-standing relationships,” Burley said. “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 program serves.
The Airbus H135 helicopter offers improved weight-bearing capacity, allowing for the safe transport of patients requiring additional medical equipment. With a larger cabin space — 6.1 cubic meters compared to 3.7 cubic meters in the EC130 — this 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,” said Tony Raymond, senior vice president 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.
About Air Methods
Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality and cadaver labs.
About HealthNet Aeromedical Services
HealthNet Aeromedical Services, is headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, and is a not-for-profit critical care transport system cooperatively owned and operated by Marshall Health Network, Vandalia Health, and WVU Medicine. The organization serves Central Appalachia from eight helicopter bases across West Virginia. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the program has safely transported more than 120,000 patients since beginning operations in 1986.
