Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) says it is the world’s first private air-rescue firm and the first private organisation in Luxembourg to be certified in accordance with ISO 9002.

A team of 48 staff, including pilots, doctors and mechanics, operate rescue helicopters and ambulance aircraft.

In order to comply with ISO 9002, LAR spent two intense years examining every working procedure.

After achieving certification, LAR has now set itself a number of targets for the coming months.

It is currently waiting for construction to begin on a new hangar in Ettelbrück.

Currently, LAR must fly its rescue helicopter every morning from Findel to Ettelbrück and

then back in the evening. To cause further inconvenience, Ettelbrück has no refuelling facilities, resulting in several return flights to Findel every day.

The construction of this hangar, which received government approval two years ago, would save LAR 200,000 euros each year.

LAR is also planning the construction of its own helicopter-maintenance facility. Currently, maintenance is carried out abroad and a purpose-built facility would save further money and provide greater flexibility.