The Irish Coast Guard’s new Rescue 118 helicopter made its first visit to Donegal yesterday.
The first of the new AW189 helicopters landed at the Malin Head Coast Guard centre as part of a familiarisation flight.
“It was great to meet the crew and have a look around the helicopter,” a Malin Head Coast Guard spokesperson said.
The transition to the AW-189 will take place early in 2025 and will be based in Sligo.
The new ten-year contract was awarded to Bristow Ireland Limited by the Department of Transport in August 2023.
Bristow is set to provide a range of essential state services under the new aviation service contract.
These will include Maritime and Inland Search and Rescue, Environmental Monitoring, Helicopter Emergency Medical and Air Ambulance Services, with enhanced mission control and communications systems.
For the first time, the Coast Guard’s aviation service will also have fixed wing aircraft capability available on a 24/7 basis to support the delivery of these essential services.
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