New Irish Coast Guard helicopters go-live at Shannon Airport

The first of the Irish Coast Guard’s new AW 189 helicopters operated by Bristow Ireland, the new provider of Coast Guard aviation services, commenced operation from Shannon Airport at midnight, Saturday 8 December. The transition of the Shannon base commenced on 1 November, when personnel including pilots, technical crews, engineers and support staff transferred from CHC to Bristow Ireland. The transition will enable continuation of services including maritime and inland Search and Rescue, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service support to the National Ambulance Service as well day and night-time aero-medical support to the offshore islands.

The Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard recognises the positive collaboration between CHC and Bristow Ireland in their efforts to ensure a safe and effective phased transition of services and also acknowledges the support of the wider search and rescue community including Coast Guard Units, RNLI and Mountain Rescue teams in assisting with work-up training conducted by Bristow Ireland.