Aircraft Upgrade Set for HealthNet Aeromedical Services Base at Cabell Huntington Hospital

Tim Martin (left), chief operating officer at Cabell Huntington Hospital, and Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network, thank HealthNet Aeromedical Services for providing the system with a new twin-engine Airbus H-135, which will bear Marshall Health Network's logo on the bottom of the craft, during a ceremony, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Marshall Health Network (MHN) and HealthNet Aeromedical Services announce plans for a new medical helicopter based at Cabell Huntington Hospital. The new helicopter will replace the current single-engine Airbus EC-130 with the latest advanced twin-engine Airbus H-135.

“Thanks to its twin-engine configuration, advanced technology, and redundancy in critical systems, the new Airbus H-135 will bring a host of enhancements to the Huntington operation,” stated Clinton Burley, President and Chief Executive Officer at HealthNet Aeromedical Services. “The dual engines significantly improve the aircraft's performance and operational capabilities. This upgrade underscores our joint commitment to providing the highest standard of care and safety for our patients and the team members who serve them.”

The Airbus H-135 will also feature a state-of-the-art medical interior designed and manufactured by Aerolite. This specialized interior is tailored to meet the demanding needs of aeromedical services operations, ensuring that medical staff have the tools and working environment necessary to deliver the highest level of critical care during transport.

"We are excited about the improvements this new helicopter will bring to our region’s emergency medical services delivery system," said Tim Martin, chief operating officer, Marshall Health Network – Cabell Huntington Hospital. "The power, speed and payload of the Airbus H-135 will greatly benefit both our patients and healthcare providers. This substantial upgrade truly reflects the growth and positive change happening within our health system, all to benefit those we care for."

Burley, added, "Upgrading to the twin-engine Airbus H-135 is a testament to our systemwide dedication to excellence in operational safety and patient care. We are confident that this aircraft will enhance our team’s ability to provide highest level of medical transport services across the Tri-State region and beyond.  When the helicopter enters service, our entire statewide fleet will consist solely of twin-engine aircraft."

The new Huntington-based Airbus H-135 is currently being built in Germany. Once manufactured, it will come to the United States for installation of its medical interior and application of the iconic HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ livery. We anticipate it will arrive and be operational by the end of this calendar year.