HealthNet Aeromedical Services Unveils New H135 Helicopter to Enhance Critical Care Transport throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley Region

HealthNet Aeromedical Services Unveils New H135 Helicopter to

Enhance Critical Care Transport throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley Region

 

Millwood, W.Va. - HealthNet Aeromedical Services, in partnership with Vandalia Health, WVU Medicine, and Air Methods Corporation, celebrated the addition of a state-of-the-art medical helicopter to its fleet at a special ceremony at the Jackson County Airport. This new Airbus H135 helicopter will serve the region from HealthNet Aeromedical Services Base 2, significantly upgrading the area’s air medical transport capabilities.  The new aircraft replaces the current Millwood-based helicopter.

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.
• 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.
• Enhanced Safety Features: The H135's design and technology are engineered to further protect both the flight crew and patients.

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.

"This upgraded aircraft is a prime example of our commitment to providing the highest quality critical care transport to the citizens and visitors of this region," said HealthNet Aeromedical Services President and CEO Clinton Burley. "We’re thrilled to continue rolling out our new aircraft with this addition, which underscores our joint commitment with our hospital system partners to continue providing an unmatched standard of care and safety for our patients and the team members who serve them."

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

“This state-of-the-art aircraft is a clear example of Vandalia Health's dedication to the future of emergency medicine in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said David Ramsey, president and CEO of Vandalia Health. “Representing an $8 million infrastructure investment, this resource is designed to have one crucial result: saving lives. We are proud to stand alongside HealthNet Aeromedical Services in this vital mission to care for the region."

Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, added, "In critical moments, speed and safe transport are the difference-makers. This new HealthNet aircraft guarantees that the high-quality care our patients expect from us begins the second they leave the scene or bedside. For those in critical condition, that seamless 'hospital-in-the-air' is what truly saves lives."

Air Methods Corporation, which oversees 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 with the tools they need, we’re ensuring patients in this region have access to the highest level of critical care when it matters most.”

This is the third of five new aircraft HealthNet Aeromedical Services will add to its fleet by the end of 2025.

 

About HealthNet Aeromedical Services

Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, HealthNet Aeromedical Services 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. To learn more about HealthNet Aeromedical Services, visit www.hnmed.org.

 

-END-

 

 

AIRBUS H-135 FACT SHEET

 

Overview

Airbus’ light, twin-engine H135 is equipped with the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix® avionics suite. Operated around the world, the H135 has a well-earned reputation for excellent performance, endurance, reliability, and versatility.

 

Performance

• Maximum speed: 156 MPH
• Maximum flight range: 342 miles
• Maximum flight endurance: 3 hours 36 minutes

 

Dimensions

• Length: 40.22 feet
• Height:  12.8 feet
• Main rotor diameter:  34.10 ft

 

Characteristics

• Engine type:  Pratt & Whitney PW206B3
• Maximum takeoff weight:  6,750 lb
• Useful load:  3,124 lb
• Passenger capacity*:  1 or 2 pilots + up to 6 passengers