The second Bristow Ireland AW189 helicopter, registered EI-IRD, has arrived at Shannon, marking the second of six helicopters for the Irish Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue services.
Bristow Ireland will operate the service under a ten-year contract, fully operational by July 2025, but the transition at the Shannon base has been delayed due to approval issues for night operations and hospital landings.
CHC Ireland is providing interim cover at Shannon with Sikorsky S92 helicopters, as Bristow’s service has not commenced.
A Department of Transport briefing note indicates a robust contingency plan is in place to support the delayed transfer, with concerns about potential knock-on effects on the rollout at other bases.
