Rega is planning to move its headquarters from Zurich Airport to Kägiswil Airport in Sarnen (Canton of Obwalden) by summer 2030.  

Owing to construction of a new taxiway around the runway at Zurich Airport, Rega has to vacate its current premises by the end of 2030 at the latest. The new headquarters is to be built in Sarnen. It will house the national Air Rescue Center, Rega’s administration and the specialised maintenance operations for the entire helicopter fleet.

At the core of the planned new-build will be the modern helicopter maintenance centre, Rega’s administration and its national Air Rescue Center which coordinates around 15,000 helicopter missions each year. Rega will invest approximately 100 million francs in the new headquarters where around 200 highly qualified employees will work. A new base for rescue flights will not be built in Sarnen – the few occurring flights will involve Rega helicopters flying to Sarnen for planned maintenance from the 14 helicopter bases in Switzerland.

More about the project

Rega conducted an in-depth review of each airport in Switzerland when evaluating possible locations for its new headquarters. Several factors played a part in the decision: the aviation infrastructure, space and ownership, flexibility for operations, the term of the lease as well as investment and rental costs. Kägiswil fulfilled these criteria in a way that enables Rega to ensure the headquarters with its administration and helicopter maintenance for the next generations.

More about the site selection

Rega’s planned flight operations in Sarnen are limited on average to just one take-off or landing per working day. These flight movements will take place primarily during “office hours”. As the site is to be used for maintenance operations – similar to a garage for servicing and repairs – the number of take-offs and landings will be reduced to the minimum required for operation.