Europe

New Irish Coast Guard fleet scheme unveiled

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New Irish Coast Guard fleet scheme unveiled
The Irish Coast Guard has offered a first look at its new livery of next generation aircraft. These include six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters, which were provided by Bristow Ireland Limited in August 2023 under a 10-year contract from the Department of Transport. [caption id=""attachment_105277"" align=""aligncenter"" width=""300""] AW189 search and rescue helicopter[/caption] The Irish Coast Guard will also have a dedicated fixed wing service for the first time, provided by 2EXCEL Ireland in partnership with Bristow, which will allow for greater capability for SAR missions as well as monitor environmental and ship casualties in Ireland's exclusive economic zone. Department of Transport minister of state Jack 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.""