Swiss Air-Rescue Rega has taken delivery of a third 4,000 nm Challenger 650 for air ambulance and repatriation missions. A long-standing Bombardier customer, Rega received two further Challenger 650s earlier in 2018. The trio, which features the Bombardier Vision flight deck and Head-up Display, replaces the operator's CL604 fleet.

“It is with the utmost confidence and pride that we deliver a third Challenger 650 aircraft to our partners at Rega,” says Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal. “Confidence because we know these aircraft have the reliability that is so important when lives are on the line, and pride to see the Challenger platform configured into the world's most advanced air ambulance.”

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega is a non-profit foundation and a pioneer in aeromedical evacuation. In addition to repatriating patients from abroad with three ambulance jets, it carries out air rescue operations in Switzerland with a fleet of 17 helicopters. Rega acquired its first Challenger aircraft from Bombardier in 1982 and has operated Challenger aircraft ever since.

Rega's three Challenger 650 aircraft have been specially outfitted with two intensive care units including two patient beds. Maintenance, refurbishment and completions specialist Flying Colours Corp. completed the trio of medevac interiors from its Peterborough facility in Canada.

“We are extremely pleased with the successful completion of these three incredible aircraft," comments executive VP Sean Gillespie. "The intelligently-designed interiors ensure crew and clinicians can effectively operate no matter how challenging the environment. Patients and passengers benefit from an extremely comfortable medical space, which we recognise in some cases will be life-saving. We understand that the first two aircraft are already working hard and that this third and final Challenger 650 aircraft will be a welcome addition to the fleet.

“It was an exciting project to work on as we completed each aircraft to the highest quality on time and on budget. The complexity and very specific requirements of these aircraft demonstrate the expertise within our special missions team and we look forward to working on similar projects in the near future.”