Swiss rescue and medevac operator Rega has ordered six Airbus Helicopters H145s medium twins as part of a fleet-renewal programme.
Delivery of the rotorcraft is scheduled for 2018, enabling Rega to phase out its current fleet of six older, less-powerful EC145s, which are used for lowland operations.
Rega has allocated SwFr52 million ($51.1 million) for the acquisition, which includes medical equipment.
“With this decision in favour of the H145, we are continuing to renew the Rega fleet with the next generation of aircraft,” says Rega chief executive, Ernst Kohler.
Rega
The operator is maintaining its two-type fleet strategy, however, and will continue to use its fleet of “Da Vinci” rescue helicopters – based on the AgustaWestland AW109 light twin from Leonardo - in mountainous regions.
These will be bolstered in 2021 with the arrival of three AW169 medium twins, which will be specially configured for all-weather operation, including the addition of a full ice protection system.
Rega is also adding to its fixed-wing fleet, with three Bombardier Challenger 650 air ambulances due to enter service in 2018.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
