Irish Department of Transport Hands Off Mission for 10 Years

Bristow Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of the greater Bristow Group, will soon handle the provision of rotary and fixed-wing search & rescue services for the Irish Coast Guard.

The firm will begin taking on their contract in the 4th quarter of 2024, stationing 6 SAR-configured Leonardo AW189 helicopters from 4 bases located in Sligo, Shannon, Dublin Weston, and Waterford, Ireland. In accordance with the contract to sport the ‘latest evolution of mission systems’ per the Irish Coast Guard, the AW189s will sport day/night/IFR avionics exceeding FAA and EASA Part 29 requirements.

In an expansion to current ICG services, Bristow will provide the services of a pair of specialized King Airs from Shannon Airport. Both will be equipped for the usual SAR and patrol mission, allowing them to take on environmental monitoring tasks when not required for their more emergent duties. Overall, the contract will create or sustain “more than 150 jobs” ranging from ground support, engineering, flight operations, and support in their bid to support the Irish Coast Guard. Should it work well for all involved, the contract may be extended another 3 years, with a separate provision allowing the Irish Air Corps to provide the fixed-wing support element should it be necessary.

“The entire team at Bristow Ireland Limited is honored to be chosen to deliver this critical and life-saving public service for the people of Ireland,” said Alan Corbett, Bristow’s Chief Operating Officer, Government Services. “We look forward to collaborating closely with the Irish Department of Transport, Irish Coast Guard, and all stakeholders as we prepare to deliver this critical public service.”

“We will provide a safe, dependable, and innovative service that will deliver world-class search and rescue across the country. Bristow Ireland Limited will implement Bristow’s globally recognized and industry-leading ‘Target Zero’ safety culture in Ireland, to ensure safety is at the forefront of every flight we take, and each decision made,” added Corbett. 

FMI: www.bristowgroup.com