The Irish Coast Guard has today released a first glimpse of its new aircraft livery.
It coincides with a new ten-year contract awarded to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) by the Department of Transport for year-round, day and night search and rescue helicopter services.
This service will be delivered through a fleet of six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters located in Sligo, Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.
For the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have dedicated fixed wing aeroplane service provided by 2EXCEL Ireland (2EI) located at Shannon Airport.
The aeroplane capability will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to co-ordinate Search and Rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an area encompassing approximately 132,000 square miles.
The new Coast Guard aeroplane.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard.
“The Irish Coast Guard is an essential state service, and this new contract represents an exciting time for the organisation,” Minister Chambers said.
“The new service will be introduced gradually over a phased basis with particular attention being paid to enable a smooth transition from the current operator to Bristow Ireland Limited. The release today of this livery for the new specialist aircraft which will replace the existing fleet marks another important step on the transition of our Coast Guard to the new service provision.”
