HealthNet Aeromedical Services, Marshall Health Network unveil new H135 helicopter to enhance critical care transport in the tri-state region

HealthNet celebrates 40 years of service

HealthNet Aeromedical Services, in partnership with Marshall Health Network and Air Methods Corporation, celebrated its 40th anniversary and dedicated a new state-of-the-art medical helicopter during a special ceremony at Huntington Tri-State Airport. 

The organization will serve the Southern West Virginia hospital region from its Base 3 location at Marshall Health Network’s Cabell Huntington Hospital with the new Airbus H135 helicopter, significantly upgrading the area’s air medical transport capabilities. The brand-new aircraft replaces the current Huntington-based aircraft, which has left the system’s fleet.

Known for its speed, safety and versatility, the Airbus H135 is a modern workhorse of the air medical industry. The H135's advanced features include:

• Helionix® Avionics Suite: This advanced system reduces pilot workload, enhances situational awareness, and improves flight safety with a user-friendly interface. A key benefit of the Helionix® management technology system is the ability to hover the aircraft at a specific point with zero control input from the pilot, which is especially critical across the mountainous terrain found in the Central Appalachian region.
• Single-Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR): This capability allows the aircraft to operate in a wider range of weather conditions, increasing HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ reliability and mission flexibility.  This is a first for the Huntington base.
• Enhanced Safety Features: The H135's design and technology are engineered to further protect both the flight crew and patients. 

“For 40 years, HealthNet Aeromedical Services has been proud to serve this region with essential critical care transport, and this upgraded aircraft reflects our continued commitment to that legacy,” said HealthNet Aeromedical Services president and CEO Clinton Burley. “We are grateful to the greater Huntington community for its decades-long support and our lasting partnership with Marshall Health Network to deliver premier air medical transport care to the individuals and families we serve.” 

The aircraft’s medical interior is custom designed for the unique demands of the organization’s service area. The layout ensures clinicians have the necessary tools and workspace to provide exceptional critical care in the air. 

“This new aircraft is more than a transportation resource—it is an investment in faster access to lifesaving care,” said Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network. “Together with HealthNet, we are helping connect patients across our region to advanced care when every minute matters. This partnership strengthens access for rural communities and demonstrates what is possible when organizations work together to improve health and save lives.”  

Air Methods Corporation, which oversees the organization’s aircraft operation, has provided extensive education and hands-on training to the organization's pilots in preparation for the new helicopter's arrival and subsequent in-service status. 

“At Air Methods, safety and reliability are at the core of everything we do, and this aircraft represents the very best in aviation technology to support those priorities,” said Air Methods CEO Rob Hamilton. “By equipping our pilots with advanced training and our crews with the tools they need, we’re ensuring patients throughout the Tri-State region beyond have access to the highest level of critical care when it matters most.” 

This is the fifth and final brand-new aircraft the program has incorporated into its fleet in the past eight months. With this addition, the program’s entire fleet of ten helicopters is now solely twin-engine, instrument flight capable aircraft, reinforcing its shared commitment to providing unmatched care and safety for patients and team members. 

Photos of this event are available here: https://jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/HealthNet-Helicopter-Dedication