ABOVE: Three down, three to go: the AW189 is expected to fly operational missions later this year.
The latest AW189 for the Irish Coast Guard has arrived in-country, the third of six units delivered to date; making the upcoming rotary-wing fleet 50% complete.
Manufactured at Leonardo’s Italian production line, the aircraft spent a brief spell at Bristow’s engineering hub before being ferried to Ireland’s Weston airport, where it is being used by teams for training before it enters into service later this year.
Bristow Ireland Limited was selected as the preferred bidder for the next ten-year Irish Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) contract in June 2023, replacing previous contractor CHC Ireland. The contract – worth an estimated €670 million – will include both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, with six specialised SAR-configured AW189 helicopters operating from dedicated bases in Slingo, Shannon, Waterford, and Dublin Weston.
Having unveiled its new livery in February 2024, the Irish Coast Guard took delivery of its first new helicopter in August 2024, with a transition from existing equipment commencing in October. The rotary fleet will also be augmented by its first ever fixed-wing service, provided by 2Excel Ireland, which will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to co-ordinate SAR missions and conduct monitoring services.
The Irish Department of Transport has previously explained that the new service will be introduced “gradually on a phased basis,” explaining in August 2023 that it is expected to be “fully operational by July 2025”. It will also provide essential aviation support to other State organisation including the National Ambulance Service, An Garda Síochána, and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Services.
IMAGE: BRISTOW GROUP
