Bombardier Delivers Second Challenger 650 Air Ambulance to Swiss Air-Rescue Rega

Bombardier has the second Challenger 650 aircraft converted into an air ambulance to longstanding customer Swiss Air-Rescue Rega.

The Swiss air ambulance service will soon also take possession of a third Challenger 650, completing the replacement of its earlier-generation Challenger 604 fleet.

These Challenger 650 aircraft are specially outfitted with intensive care units, representing the next generation of airborne medical evacuation.

“Over the years, Bombardier Challenger aircraft have proven their reliability and endurance, and helped Rega come to the aid of so many people. We are extremely proud to have our aircraft continue to play a part in life-saving work,” said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The Challenger 650 aircraft is an ideal air ambulance vehicle, robust and versatile with a smooth ride that is essential when delivering in-flight medical care.”

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega, a non-profit foundation and one of the world's pioneers in aeromedical evacuation, carries out air-rescue operations in Switzerland with a fleet of 17 rescue helicopters and repatriates patients from abroad with three ambulance jets. A long-standing Bombardier customer, Rega acquired its first Challenger aircraft in 1982 and has operated Challenger aircraft ever since.

The higher-thrust engines of the Challenger 650 will allow for a shorter take-off distance, and the Bombardier Vision flight deck reduces pilot workload. The Challenger 650 also offers a quieter cabin and a smooth ride, for the comfort of both patients and crew, as well as a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

Bombardier delivered the second Challenger 650 aircraft to Rega on 25 July in Peterborough, Canada.

Rega’s first Challenger 650 aircraft was delivered on April 9 of this year, while the third and final aircraft in Rega’s next-generation fleet will be delivered later in 2018.

This landmark year between Bombardier and Rega is the culmination of decades of successful co-operation and mutual respect.

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