Bristow Ireland has received its AOC from the Irish Aviation Authority as it prepares to commence a ten year SAR contract signed with the Irish Department of Transport back in August 2023, for the provision of rotary and fixed wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard. Bristow will operate six specialised AW189s from dedicated bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin Weston, and will begin transitioning to the contract towards the end of this year. And in an expansion to the current service, two specialised King Airs will provide operational support from Shannon airport for search and rescue and environmental monitoring.

"Gaining an AOC is a fundamental requirement to provide search and rescue in Ireland," says director government services Neil Ebberson. "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 in the country."

To gain AOC approval, Bristow Ireland was required to demonstrate that its AW189 aircraft will meet the Irish regulator's requirements for safe and compliant operations; submit detailed documentation to show that it can safely manage continued airworthiness; demonstrate that it can safely operate the AW189 to the required standards; and carry out a proving flight with the AW189 in Ireland.

Ebberson adds: "With more than 75 years of global experience to draw on, our Ireland team demonstrated that we have the experience, skills and capabilities to operate to the standards the IAA demands for an Air Operator Certificate.

"The next phases of preparation for this critical new service are well in hand. Our fixed wing partner 2Excel Ireland is working in parallel for the award of a fixed wing AOC, which will in turn enable us to deliver the capability enhancements. We are looking forward to reporting more progress as we move towards the initial transition to the new service in late 2024."

Bristow now has Air Operating Certificates covering 11 jurisdictions.