The background to this decision is the planned taxiway around runway 28 at Zurich Airport, which is the reason why Rega will have to vacate its current headquarters, where the Jet Operations team is based, by the end of 2030. In view of this, Rega assessed a number of options for a future location for its ambulance jet operations and has now decided that they will remain at Zurich Airport. With this fundamental decision, Rega is setting the stage for the commencement of planning of a new jet base at the western side of the airport.
The best solution for patients
The decision is right in line with Rega's basic principle: to focus on the well-being of the patients. Rega's ambulance jets repatriate around 1,000 patients from around the world each year. It therefore makes sense to station the jets where a large part of the population lives and at a location within easy reach of many hospitals. This means that, after landing, the repatriated patients can be transported quickly by road to the destination hospital. Moreover, Zurich Airport – as one of Switzerland's international airports – offers ideal operating conditions. The infrastructure and operating hours ensure the necessary flexibility, allowing Rega to carry out urgent missions at short notice or also during the night, in exceptional cases.
Rega CEO Ernst Kohler says: “Thanks to the decision of Rega's Foundation Board we can now take the next steps towards a new jet base – so that we can continue to provide patients with rapid and flexible care under optimum conditions in future.”
Headquarters and helicopter maintenance to move to Sarnen (Canton Obwalden)
The plan for the rest of the current headquarters – helicopter maintenance, the national Air Rescue Center which coordinates the rescue helicopter missions, and administration – remains unchanged. In future these units will be located at the former military airport in Kägiswil (Canton Obwalden). A planning application for the new Rega headquarters has been submitted to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation. An amendment to the Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP) is needed, and the Federal Council is set to decide on it by the end of 2026.
The Rega ambulance jets
Rega operates three ambulance jets which are on standby round the clock, ready to bring patients who have had an accident or become seriously ill while abroad back to Switzerland. The Jet Operations Center can be reached from abroad at all time on +41 333 333 333. Depending on the severity of the medical emergency, Rega’s medical consultants either provide advice over the telephone or initiate the return transport to Switzerland. If an ambulance jet is not required, the patient can return on board a scheduled flight – professionally accompanied by a member of Rega’s medical staff. Each year, the jet crews fly around 1,000 patients back home.
Jet Operations has around 1,000 employees, including pilots, flight physicians, intensive care flight nurses, flight coordinators, flight planners, medical consultants and aircraft mechanics. Rega thus provides people in Switzerland with a bridge to their home country if they have a medical emergency abroad. Rega, as a private, non-profit foundation, is funded by its 3.7 million patrons who keep it airborne with their solidarity contributions.
