Bristow Ireland has appointed Philip Bartlett as director, Irish search and rescue, effective immediately.

With over 33 years' experience in Irish and UK aviation, Bartlett brings a thorough understanding of the Irish aviation industry to this important new role. In August 2023, Bristow Ireland signed a contract with the Department of Transport for the provision of rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish coast guard. In early February this year, Bristow received its AOC from the Irish Aviation Authority, marking a significant step towards the next generation of coast guard search and rescue aviation services in Ireland. In this new position, Bartlett will be responsible for leading the Bristow Ireland team responsible for delivering life-saving missions across the country.

Most recently, Bartlett was the chief technical officer for Shannon Technical Services, a global technical services provider for aircraft owners, lessors and airlines. As part of the senior leadership team, he established the continuous air worthiness management organisation (CAMO) department for a wide range of regional, commercial and corporate aircraft, including several helicopter types.

Prior to that, Bartlett was a technical operations manager for Nordic Aviation Capital, where he gained a perspective on the regional aircraft leasing business, including managing aircraft deliveries and returns, to and from various international airlines.

He says: "I look forward to joining the experienced and skilled Bristow Ireland team as we transition to this new contract and establish the next generation of search and rescue operations on behalf of the Irish coast guard."

Director government services Neil Ebberson adds: "Philip brings significant experience of Irish aviation to Bristow. His appointment follows the recent award of the Air Operator Certificate, which is a fundamental requirement for delivering SAR operations in Ireland. We are delighted to welcome Philip to the team and look forward to his leadership of the transition to the new contract getting underway this autumn."

Bartlett earned a bachelor's degree in aircraft engineering, aerodynamics, business and quality from Kingston University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and an Incorporated Engineer with the UK Engineering Council. Bartlett also holds an EASA Part 66 and National Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's License from the Irish Aviation Authority.

The new SAR contract will see Bristow Ireland operate six SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from dedicated bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford and Weston. In an expansion to the current service, the new contract will include a day and night fixed-wing service operating out of Shannon.