In a little over three months, Swiss Air-Ambulance has taken delivery of three brand new Challenger

604s. Customer relations manager Bruno Kugler told EBAN: “These new additions give us more flexibility in terms of long-range operations and more people have already contacted us to utilise the additional capabilities.”

The aircraft have replaced two Hawker 800s and a Challenger 601, which were all owned by the company. “We signed a contract with Bombardier a few weeks before September 11, whereby they agreed to take our aircraft in part-exchange.

“This meant that there was already a guaranteed price agreed for our aircraft. In some ways I guess we’ve been lucky, considering the development of the second-hand market.

“Obviously we were a little worried about the potential drop in business post 9/11, but up until now there

has proved to be enough long-range demand. Already the aircraft have made a number of flights to destinations including Johannesburg and the US, the typical mission being the transportation of patients from a holiday destination back to their home country,” said Kugler.

The 604s came off the production line in Montreal and were transported straight over to Tucson, Arizona, where the designated interior was installed over a three to four month period. “We have a great deal of experience operating Hawkers and Challengers, so we knew what we needed in terms of equipment. The 604 can fit a maximum of four stretchers, depending upon the situation,” he said.

The company has been in business since the early sixties, operating purely ad-hoc air ambulance flights. Kugler, who used to be chief pilot, said: “I don’t think the customer necessarily notices whether the aircraft is brand new – he’s more interested in being transported as quickly and as safely as possible. It’s operationally that we really appreciate the difference, as it keeps maintenance costs down and obviously the aircraft are under warranty for a certain period.”

Swiss Air-Ambulance will now operate the 604s alongside its Agusta 109 and EC145. “Having a uniform fixed-wing fleet now gives us greater flexibility. For example, if there are two or three queries for long-range flights we don’t have to worry about which aircraft are busy and in terms of crew flexibility and maintenance it’s far more efficient,” said Kugler.

Of the future, he added: “We’ve now brought our fleet and facilities up to a very high standard, so I don’t think we will be making any further investments for the time being.