Bristow is ramping up preparations for the start of its new search and rescue (SAR) operation in Ireland following arrival in the country of the first of six Leonardo Helicopters AW189s to be deployed on the contract.
Currently run by CHC Ireland on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard, the SAR service will begin transitioning to Bristow Ireland at the end of October, becoming fully operational in July next year.
Five new-build AW189s, plus one older example, will replace the current fleet of Sikorsky S-92s; subcontractor 2Excel Aviation will also supply a pair of Beechcraft King Airs for the service.
The first AW189 – a 2024-built example registered EI-IRR – arrived at Weston airport near Dublin on 28 August. The helicopters will also be based at Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.
Bristow will assume responsibility for Shannon operations from 31 October, with the three other bases progressively transitioning across.
In the run-up to the start of the contract, SAR providers including coastguard volunteers, lifeboat operator RNLI, inshore and mountain rescue teams will conduct training and familiarisation exercises with the new helicopter.
“This is an exciting milestone in the introduction of the new aviation service of the Irish Coast Guard,” says Irish transport minister James Lawless.
“Coastguard personnel are incredibly committed to assisting the public, sometimes in extremely challenging situations. This new fleet ensures that the highest standards of safety and professionalism continue to be met, as they carry out their life-saving work.”
In addition to SAR missions, the fleet will be used for environmental monitoring, and for emergency medical services flights.
Bristow was awarded a 10-year contract to run the Irish SAR operation in 2023.
