Bristow Ireland, a subsidiary of Bristow Group, has been selected by the Irish Department of Transport as the preferred bidder for the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search and rescue aviation (SAR) contract.

Following the announcement by the Irish Coast Guard, Bristow chief operating officer, government services Alan Corbett, says: "We are honoured the Irish Department of Transport has confirmed Bristow Ireland as the preferred bidder for the provision of the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service. We will continue working closely with the Irish Department of Transport to finalise contracts and look forward to integrating our significant global experience and capabilities into this critical public service."

The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed wing aircraft element.

Subject to contract, the new IRCG aviation service contract will cost approximately $718 million (excluding VAT) and will run for 10 years in the case of the helicopter service and five years in the case of fixed wing element of the service, with options to extend both services out to 13 years. The contract makes provision for the Air Corps to provide the fixed wing element of the service after five years.

The preferred bidder was selected following a comprehensive procurement project undertaken by the Department of Transport that included an initial market engagement process, a prequalifying process, an initial request for tender, a negotiation process and final evaluation of a best and final offer tender from the shortlisted bidders.

The state has chosen not to renew the existing contract with CHC Ireland.