(L-R): James Viola, Vertical Aviation International, René Closter, Luxembourg Air Rescue, Mark Schlaefli, Vertical Aviation International; Credit: Verticon

On Wednesday 16 April 2025, Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) announced that its founder, President, and long-time CEO, René Closter, was honoured at the Vertical Aviation International (VAI) awards, the world’s largest professional association of the helicopter industry, that recently took place in Dallas, Texas (US).

According to LAR, René Closter received the award for his lifetime achievements, outstanding contributions to air rescue and tireless efforts to improve air rescue services in Luxembourg and beyond.

The “Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award” ceremony took place during VERTICON 2025, the world’s largest conference and trade show for vertical aviation. The event attracted over 15,000 professionals from more than 85 countries and provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovations in the field of vertical aviation.

According to LAR, René Closter founded Luxembourg Air Rescue in 1988 and led the organisation for many decades. Under his leadership, LAR developed into “one of the leading organisations in the field of air rescue and medical repatriation in Europe”. Through his efforts and dedication, the only air rescue organisation in Luxembourg and the Greater Region became an “indispensable institution”, that saved thousands of lives each year.

At the award ceremony, René Closter said “This award is a great honour and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Luxembourg Air Rescue. I am proud of what we have achieved and delighted that our efforts are being recognised internationally”.

Luxembourg Air Rescue operates a fleet of six state-of-the-art rescue helicopters and five ambulance aircraft, which are ready for deployment around the clock. Their mission is to save lives and provide medical assistance quickly and efficiently.