Rega is selling the four Airbus Helicopters H145 rescue helicopters, including their medical equipment, to GCH Aviation, based in Christchurch (New Zealand). The tried and tested helicopters will then be based on the other side of the world, where they will continue to be used as air ambulance helicopters.
A single-type fleet for Rega
The sale of the four aircraft marks a further step in the renewal of Rega's helicopter fleet. Between 2024 and 2026, Rega will be modernising its entire helicopter fleet and will in future rely on a single-type fleet of 21 H145 D3 rescue helicopters, the latest five-bladed version from Airbus Helicopters.
The creation of a standard fleet means that the same type of helicopter will be used at all Rega bases in future. This will lead to savings in maintenance and in the procurement and management of spare parts. There will also be fewer different training courses for crews, and the potential for synergies can be exploited even more effectively. By investing in the new fleet, Rega is ensuring that it can continue to provide patients with reliable and professional medical assistance by air for the next 15 years.
Rega
Swiss Air-Rescue Rega was founded in 1952 for the purpose of providing professional medical assistance by air. It is an autonomous, privately run, non-profit foundation and currently employs around 480 members of staff. Rega helps people in distress, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross: it provides its services without discrimination as to person, financial circumstances, social status, nationality, race, religious beliefs or political opinions. Rega is at the service of the Swiss people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and operates 14 helicopter bases distributed throughout the country, as well as three ambulance jets. Rega's Operations Center can be contacted around the clock–in Switzerland via emergency number 1414 and from abroad by calling +41 333 333 333. Rega is funded by its over 3.6 million patrons. This unique patronage system allows Rega to fulfil its core tasks and to fully focus on the welfare of its patients.
GCH Aviation Group
The GCH Aviation Group has five helicopter bases throughout New Zealand and owns Pacific Island Air in Fiji and Vanuatu Helicopters. Headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, the GCH Aviation Group operates helicopter air rescue and air ambulance services in New Zealand, Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Christchurch, ROA Rescue Helicopter Greymouth, Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.
The GCH Aviation Group has four decades of experience in helicopter and regional aviation, certified flight training, commercial flights, air rescue and air ambulance services and charter jet operations. GCH Aviation is the only helicopter operator to hold the prestigious Diamond Safety rating from the New Zealand Helicopter Association for forty years of safe flying.