Swiss air rescue operator Rega has signed a contract to purchase six factory-new H145 rotorcraft. These will replace its current EC145 fleet and will commence operations in 2018.

“With this decision in favour of the H145, we are continuing to renew the Rega fleet with the next generation of aircraft,” explains CEO Ernst Kohler. “For us, aircraft reliability is paramount. The EC145, which was purchased in 2003 and has comprehensively proven itself, will be replaced by the more powerful successor model in the early summer of 2018.

“The new rescue helicopters will reduce the volume of maintenance work and maintain the already excellent levels of availability.”

With its decision to purchase the H145, Rega will continue its two-type fleet strategy; the mountain bases will continue to operate a fleet of A109s, while Airbus Helicopters types will be stationed at lowland bases in Zurich, Basel, Berne and Lausanne.

The H145 is equipped with a four-axis autopilot and features the latest in avionics and navigation tech-nology. Its spacious cabin means that it can carry out intensive care patient transports such as with a heart-lung machine or a mobile incubator for premature babies. Rega is investing more than $50 million for the six helicopters, including medical equipment. The project will be funded without the need for external capital.

Together with the H145 helicopters, three Challenger 650 ambulance jets will also join Rega's fleet in early summer 2018. These were ordered in April 2015 and will replace Rega's current fleet of CL604s. “I am delighted to be able to present these two aircraft types to our patrons in 2018,” says Kohler. “By then, both the current ambulance jets and the EC145 helicopters will have been in service with us for around 15 years.”

In 2021, Rega will also take delivery of three all-weather AW169-FIPS rescue helicopters. These will further extend its operational scope, as they are able to fly in icy conditions. “It is our responsibility to think about the future, and with these new aircraft we are ensuring that in the coming years we can come to the aid of patients and distressed persons, in Switzerland and all over the world,” Kohler concludes.