Search for helicopter positions uncovered
In a surprising turn of events, the planned relocation of emergency helicopter service Christoph 45 from Friedrichshafen to Deggenhausertal-Wittenhofen (Lake Constance district) has been cancelled. The exact reasons for this decision remain unclear, with regulatory issues, community opposition, infrastructural challenges, funding constraints, and operational changes being plausible causes, although they have not been confirmed.
The cancellation of Christoph 45's relocation is part of a broader reorganisation of air rescue services in Baden-Württemberg. In November 2022, the Interior Ministry presented a new air rescue map, expanding the number of rescue helicopter bases from eight to ten.
Meanwhile, the helicopter Christoph 41 is set to move from Leonberg near Stuttgart to the BG clinic in Tübingen, with a new landing site to be constructed at the clinic in January 2026. The old landing site will remain operational during the construction phase.
A new operator will take over Christoph 45's services from November 2026, with a 15-year contract in place. The state government is currently examining a location in the western district of Ravensburg as an alternative for Christoph 45, although the decision on whether a rescue station can be built alongside the hangar is yet to be made by the regional committee for rescue services in Lake Constance-Oberschwaben.
Elsewhere, the operation of Christoph 53 at the City Airport Mannheim is being re-tendered, and a new station for Christoph 53 will be constructed on the City Airport grounds. The operating hours for Christoph 53 are planned to be extended, with 7 to 20 hours on weekdays and 8 to 20 hours on weekends and holidays.
The relocation of Christoph 45 was necessary to reach white spots in the hinterland of Lake Constance within 20 minutes of flight time. The cancelled relocation, therefore, means that these areas will not benefit from the immediate response that a local Christoph 45 would have provided.
For those seeking more information, direct inquiries to local authorities, Christoph 45's operating body, or regional news sources around Friedrichshafen and Lake Constance may provide definitive answers regarding the cancellation of Christoph 45's relocation and the future of air rescue services in the region.
In light of the cancellation of Christoph 45's relocation, it is essential that municipalities in the hinterland of Lake Constance consider alternative strategies for addressing medical-conditions, as the immediate response provided by local air rescue services will no longer be available. Furthermore, the future expansion of health-and-wellness initiatives in these areas should incorporate science and innovation to ensure timely medical intervention, given the absence of a local helicopter service.
