First glimpse of new Irish Coast Guard Aircraft Fleet

The Irish Coast Guard has published a first look of the new livery for its next generation aircraft, to be provided under the new aviation services contract. The new 10-year contract was awarded to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) by the Department of Transport in August 2023 and provides for year-round, day and night Search and Rescue helicopter services. This service will be delivered through a fleet of six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters located in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.

For the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have dedicated Fixed Wing service provided by 2EXCEL Ireland (2EI) located at Shannon Airport. The Fixed Wing capability will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to coordinate Search and Rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an area encompassing approximately 132,000 square miles.

Speaking of the new contract, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard said:

“The Irish Coast Guard is an essential state service, and this new contract represents an exciting time for the organisation. The new service will be introduced gradually over a phased basis with particular attention being paid to enable a smooth transition from the current operator to Bristow Ireland Limited. The release today of this livery for the new specialist aircraft which will replace the existing fleet marks another important step on the transition of our Coast Guard to the new service provision.”

Neil Ebberson, Bristow Director Government Services, said:

“Bristow Ireland is proud to work with the Irish Coast Guard to deliver a new, innovative search and rescue aviation service for the country.

This unique livery will feature across the new fleet of specialist helicopters, as well as the fixed wing aircraft operated by our partner 2EI, as we start the transition to the new service in late 2024.”

Earlier this month, Bristow was awarded an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) by the IAA a significant step in the transition to the new contract. It was awarded after the successful completion of a lengthy application and assessment process run by the IAA and ensures the highest standards of professionalism and safety are met by the operator of the Coast Guard Aviation Service.