The stationing of an helicopter in Sion was carried out in collaboration with the local helicopter firm, Héli-Alpes SA, in whose hangar the Rega helicopter was based. The Rega crew is on standby around the clock and can thus take off within just a few minutes, including at night, in order to bring medical assistance wherever it is needed.

First base with an H145 D3

On 17 December 2022, the new Rega helicopter with register number HB-ZQO – the first Airbus H145 helicopter with a five-blade rotor purchased by Rega – commenced operations at the Sion base. As part of the upgrade to the new Rega fleet, this helicopter was sold, and the Valais Rega crew received their new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter in April 2025. From then on, they fly the new helicopter which – apart from the five-blade rotor – differs in several ways from its predecessor. The completely redesigned helicopter cabin has been further improved compared with the previous model, and offers patients and crew optimum conditions. The spacious cabin enables the new Rega helicopter to also fly special missions involving intensive medical care, such as with a heart-lung machine or a transport incubator for premature babies. A new navigation and avionics system in the cockpit will allow for even more precise instrument flight approach procedures in future, while additional headlights will ensure better lighting of landing sites in terrain during night missions. The helicopter switch for the Valais crew is part of the procurement of 21 new rescue helicopters for Rega’s new single-type fleet. The comprehensive renewal was necessary owing to the replacement of the eleven AgustaWestland Da Vinci helicopters, which are being decommissioned after 15 years of service.