Swiss Air-Rescue Rega has taken delivery of the first two of six H145s from Airbus Helicopters. The new arrivals will replace the company's existing fleet of EC145s, which will be phased out by mid 2019. The first H145 is expected to be deployed at its Bern base in October.

The new rescue helicopters will reduce the volume of maintenance work and maintain availability. With its decision to purchase the H145, Rega is upholding its two-type fleet strategy: the mountain bases will continue to utilise Da Vinci rescue helicopters from Leonardo, while the Airbus Helicopters types will be stationed at the lowland bases.

Over a period of 15 years, Rega's six EC145s have provided airborne medical assistance to around 60,000 patients, so choosing the H145 as its successor was a straightforward decision: "The H145 represents a continuation of our success story and ensures that we can continue to provide our patients with reliable and professional help in the years to come," says CEO Ernst Kohler.

Airbus Helicopters Germany CEO Wolfgang Schoder adds: "We are proud that such an internationally renowned operator as Rega has placed its trust in our H145 family over such a long period of time."

The H145 global fleet numbers over 200 and has accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours. It features Helionix digital avionics, a four-axis autopilot and reduced noise levels.