New Search and Rescue service goes 'live' at Shannon Airport

A new Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter service, operated by Bristow Ireland, has been officially launched at Shannon Airport.

The new service, which will operate around the clock, 365 days a year, was formally declared on-line at 23:59 on Saturday, December 7.

Declaring 'go-live' is the culmination of years of work, and Bristow, which was awarded the contract last year, says it is enormously proud of everyone who has contributed to developing what will be a new era of search and rescue in the Mid-West and across Ireland.

The service was previously operated by CHC Ireland and since the contract was awarded to Bristow Ireland in 2023, teams have been working to ensure every element is in place for the phased transition to progress.

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The Shannon Airport SAR base is the first of four across the country to start operations, together with a new fleet of six advanced SAR-configured helicopters they will help Bristow Ireland deliver a life-saving service as the phased transition to the new contract continues through to mid-2025.

"Getting to this stage is the culmination of years of work,” said Director Irish SAR, Philip Bartlett. “Hitting ‘go-live’ is a tremendous acknowledgement of the effort everyone has put in. It signals a historic moment for Bristow Ireland and an important chapter in emergency response for the people of Ireland.

"Over recent weeks the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has awarded Bristow Ireland the required approvals for specialist flight operations, engineering, training and SAR activities which will ensure the teams continue to operate to the highest standards."

Meanwhile, framework agreements with trade unions will support the continued transition of specialist helicopter pilots and engineers to Bristow Ireland, allowing them to develop new skills and capabilities and to continue their work with a new, modern aircraft fleet and in new facilities.

Simultaneously, new aircraft and equipment are being procured, modified and tested, and detailed training programmes activated to ensure a seamless transition to the new service.

Commenting after the new service went live, a spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard said it recognises the positive collaboration between CHC and Bristow Ireland in their efforts to ensure a safe and effective phased transition of services.

The support of the wider search and rescue community including Coast Guard units, RNLI and Mountain Rescue teams in assisting with work-up training conducted by Bristow Ireland has also been acknowledged.

"The transition will enable continuation of services including maritime and inland Search and Rescue, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service  support to the National Ambulance Service as well day and night-time aero-medical support to the offshore islands," they said.