Bristow Group was selected to deliver a new Search and Rescue (SAR) service for Ireland last summer. Bristow Ireland will operate six specialised SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from dedicated bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford, and Weston. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed-wing Beech 200 aircraft service based at Shannon Airport.
In an Linkedin post Bristow stated the been busy preparing for a seamless transition to the new contract, which is due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024.
In an significant milestone this week as a Bristow AW189 helicopter registered EI-HKT msn 89002 touched down at Ireland’s Dublin Weston Airport. The flight was part of the careful preparations which will bring new cutting-edge tech, including specialist SAR-proven aircraft, to this critical service.
Bristow Ireland Limited, Fórsa, and the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) announced an agreement which will enable a smooth transition of all search and rescue (SAR) pilots and technical crew from the current operator to Bristow Ireland Limited. The agreement is a key milestone in successfully transitioning search and rescue operations to Bristow Ireland Limited.
Image Credit: Bristow Group
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 21 January 2024 All Rights Reserved
