The first Beechcraft King Air for the Irish Coast Guard, registered EI-IRF, has arrived in Shannon as part of a new Search and Rescue (SAR) contract.
Bristow Ireland will operate the SAR service under a ten-year contract, expected to be fully operational by July 2025.
The transition has faced delays related to the approval of night operations and hospital landings, with CHC Ireland providing interim cover using Sikorsky S92 helicopters.
A contingency plan is in place by the Department of Transport to address potential delays and support the transfer process.
