New Life Flight Network facility in Walla Walla targets faster emergency response
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Life Flight Network and the Port of Walla Walla debuted a $2.6 million state-of-the-art hangar and crew quarters Monday, a project officials say will reduce emergency response times across the rural region.
Walla Walla Regional Airport Manager Jennifer Skoglund and Life Flight Network CEO Ben Clayton, center, cut the ribbon at the new hangar
The 7,880-square-foot facility at Walla Walla Regional Airport consolidates aircraft and personnel into a single all-in-one location. Previously, crews were stationed in temporary quarters away from the aircraft. The new setup integrates living spaces directly with the hangar, allowing teams to be airborne within minutes.
“Having this facility here enables us to be ready at a moment’s notice,” Life Flight Network CEO Ben Clayton said. “Just like the fire department, when we get that call, they immediately walk to the aircraft – away they go.”
Clayton noted that relying on aircraft from neighboring cities like Pendleton or Spokane could add up to 40 minutes to a patient’s wait. “For us to be here, right in the community where you are, it really has a very positive impact,” he said.
The facility, which has been in development for over five years, is a public-private partnership funded by the Port of Walla Walla, local economic development grants, and a state loan. While Life Flight has operated in Walla Walla for years, the upgraded base modernizes their presence and will grow local staffing from 16 to 30 employees.
The base is staffed 24/7 by a pilot, mechanic, nurse, and paramedic to handle trauma, strokes, and heart attacks, providing critical links to specialty care centers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Top photo of Life Flight Network Bell 407GXi (All photos by Dan Thesman)
