Shannon-based executive to head up Irish Coast Guard search and rescue service

The company which has been awarded the contract to operate search and rescue operations for the Irish Coast Guard has announced the appointment of its new director.

Bristow Ireland Limited has confirmed that Philip Bartlett, a Shannon-based executive, will take up the role as Director, Irish Search and Rescue with immediate effect.

With over 33 years’ experience in Irish and U.K. aviation, he brings a thorough understanding of the Irish aviation industry to the new role which will have overall responsibility for leading the Bristow Ireland team as they carry out life-saving missions across the country.

Last August, Bristow Ireland signed a contract with the Department of Transport for the provision of rotary and fixed-wing aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard and in early February it received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

The search and rescue service is currently operated by another company - CHC Ireland - and its contract remains in place until July 2025.

READ ALSO: PICTURES: Picturesque Clare lodge built in 1890 hits the market for €280,000

Most recently, Philip Bartlett was the Chief Technical Officer for Shannon Technical Services, a global technical services provider for aircraft owners, lessors, and airlines which is based in Clare.

As part of the senior leadership team, he established the Continuous Airworthiness Management Organisation department for a wide range of regional, commercial, and corporate aircraft, including several helicopter types.

Prior to that, he was a Technical Operations Manager for Nordic Aviation Capital, where he gained a perspective on the regional aircraft leasing business, including managing aircraft deliveries and returns, to and from various international airlines.

Commenting on his appointment, Philip Bartlett said: “I look forward to joining the experienced and skilled Bristow Ireland team as we transition to this new contract and establish the next generation of search and rescue operations on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard.”

Neil Ebberson, Bristow director of government services, added: “Philip brings significant experience of Irish aviation to Bristow. His appointment follows the recent award of the Air Operator Certificate, which is a fundamental requirement for delivering search and rescue operations in Ireland. We are delighted to welcome Philip to the team and look forward to his leadership of the transition to the new contract getting underway this autumn.”

The new SAR contract will see Bristow Ireland operate six SAR-configured AW189 helicopters from dedicated bases in Shannon, Co Clare; Sligo; Waterford, and Weston in Dublin.

In an expansion to the current service, the new contract will also include a day and night fixed-wing service operating out of Shannon.