Bristow Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of Bristow Group Inc, has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), marking a significant step towards commencing Search and Rescue services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard.
“Gaining an AOC is a fundamental requirement to provide search and rescue in Ireland,” said Neil Ebberson, Bristow Director of Government Services. “It was awarded after the successful completion of a lengthy application and assessment process run by the IAA and ensures the highest standards of professionalism and safety are met in the country.”
To gain AOC approval, Bristow Ireland was required to demonstrate that its AW189 aircraft will meet the Irish regulator’s requirements for safe and compliant operations; submit detailed documentation to show that it can safely manage continued airworthiness; demonstrate that it can safely operate the AW189 to the required standards; and carry out a proving flight with the AW189 in Ireland.
Ebberson added: “With more than 75 years of global experience to draw on, our Ireland team demonstrated that we have the experience, skills, and capabilities to operate to the standards the IAA demands for an Air Operator Certificate.
“The next phases of preparation for this critical new service are well in hand. 2Excel – who are our fixed-wing partners – are working in parallel for the award of a fixed-wing AOC, which will in turn enable us to deliver the capability enhancements. We are looking forward to reporting more progress as we move towards the initial transition to the new service in late 2024.”
The Company’s aviation services include personnel transportation, SAR, medevac, fixed-wing transportation, unmanned systems, and ad hoc helicopter services. Bristow currently has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, India, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the U.K., and the U.S.
