20 Rescue helicopters
Rega operates its 14 operational bases with 20 rescue helicopters. Six rescue helicopters are reserve machines that are either undergoing technical maintenance or are needed as training machines. The helicopter fleet comprises 8 Airbus Helicopters H145 machines, stationed at the lowland bases in Zurich, Basel, Berne, Lausanne and St. Gallen, and 11 AgustaWestland Da Vinci located at the mountain bases in Untervaz, Locarno, Erstfeld, Samedan, Wilderswil, Mollis, Zweisimmen and Sion. An Airbus Helicopters EC135 is stationed at the Geneva base. In addition, Rega operates a helicopter of the type Airbus Helicopters H125, which it uses for training purposes.
3 Ambulance jets
The three ambulance jets Challenger 650 from Bombardier are in service all around the world. The Rega ambulance jet features a specially designed, multifunctional stretcher and a lighter, better soundproofed cabin. Stateof-the-art avionics in the cockpit allow the Rega pilots to select time- and fuel-saving flight routes.
Airbus Helicopters H145
The twin-engine H145 features cutting-edge avionics and navigation technology, is equipped with a four-axis autopilot, and can also perform satellite-based approach flights with extreme precision. Its spacious cabin means that it is predestined for special intensive care patient transports, such as with a heart-lung machine or a mobile incubator for premature babies.
AgustaWestland Da Vinci
In close collaboration with the manufacturer, the Da Vinci has been specially designed to cater for Rega's particular requirements as regards carrying out operations in the mountains. It optimally fulfils the high demands made of it in terms of flying characteristics, emergency medical equipment and maintenance. Safety, performance and space have been increased, and maintenance and noise emissions reduced.
Airbus Helicopters EC135
The Airbus EC135 rescue helicopter is the only aircraft of this type in Rega’s fleet. Until the middle of 2022, it was owned by Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), after which it joined the Rega fleet within the framework of an agreement on air rescue in the Geneva region. By 2025, the Geneva helicopter with the radio code “Rega 15” will be replaced by a new, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopter with five rotor blades.
H125 training helicopter
The Airbus Helicopters H125 is used for training purposes. In particular, up-and-coming Rega pilots are trained in performing mountain and external load flights. For example, the H125 is equipped with a digital cockpit closely resembling that of the Da Vinci mountain helicopter, which prepares the trainee pilots for flying this helicopter type in the future.
Ambulance jet Challenger 650
Rega's three Challenger 650 ambulance jets are used all over the world by seriously ill or injured people. Equipped like an intensive care unit, they fly up to 6,500 kilometres. Rega's ambulance jets are extremely versatile. Up to four patients - two of them intensive care patients - can be transported lying down at the same time.
