Swiss Air-Ambulance Rega Orders Three Bombardier Challenger 650 Aircraft

Bombardier has signed a firm purchase agreement with Swiss Air-Ambulance Rega for three Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft.

The transaction is valued at approximately US$130 million, based on 2015 list prices and includes various aircraft modifications, such as the installation of a medical evacuation interior.

Deliveries of the modified Challenger 650 aircraft are scheduled for 2018.

A loyal Bombardier Challenger aircraft customer, Rega is a leading Swiss air-ambulance provider. As a privately funded foundation, its mission is to carry out air-rescue operations in Switzerland and to repatriate patients from abroad. Rega has a current fleet of three Challenger 604 aircraft which are used exclusively for ambulance flights and are outfitted with intensive-care units.

"Bombardier has enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Rega since 1982 when the company purchased its first Challenger aircraft and again in 2002 with the addition of the Challenger 604 aircraft to its fleet," said Stephane Villeneuve, Vice-President, Specialized Aircraft, Bombardier. "A preferred medical evacuation platform, Challenger aircraft have a long-standing history of air-ambulance operations. With its enhanced performance from short runways and proven reliability and track record, we are convinced the next-generation Challenger 650 aircraft is the definitive choice to carry out Rega's extremely critical air-ambulance missions."

Ernst Kohler, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Rega, said, "The aircraft meets our requirements perfectly and will again serve thousands of patients worldwide, as did its predecessors. Our medical teams of experienced doctors and intensive-care nurses, as well as our pilots, appreciate the generous on-board conditions and the well-proven technology. We are pleased to rely on the Challenger platform to perform our life-saving missions."