Waterford Coast Guard Base completes national aviation service changeover as Bristow takes over, ending Sikorsky helicopter operations
Transition of Waterford Coast Guard Helicopter Base Marks Completion of National Aviation Service Changeover
Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard Sean Canney T.D. has welcomed the transition of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter base at Waterford Airport to Bristow Ireland Limited.
Waterford is the fourth and final base to transition under the new Coast Guard aviation contract, marking the end of the Sikorsky S‑92 helicopter fleet’s long‑standing service to Coast Guard Search and Rescue in Ireland.
This milestone marks the final phase of the transition to the new Coast Guard aviation service, that has already seen Bristow Ireland delivering Coast Guard operations utilising AW189 helicopters from Shannon, Sligo, and Weston Airport, Dublin, alongside a new Fixed Wing service also located at Shannon. Many of the personnel who worked with CHCI have or will be taking up employment with Bristow Ireland.
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Minister Canney said: “I would like to acknowledge and recognise the exceptional service provided by the fleet of Sikorsky S‑92a and S61 helicopters fleet, and by the CHC crews who have operated Ireland’s search and rescue service for more than two decades.
“Their work has played a vital role in saving lives, providing day and night time emergency helicopter support to maritime and inland communities, sometimes in extremely challenging conditions
“I am pleased to note that many of the very experienced personnel will continue to work with Bristow Ireland , thus ensuring that the State will continue to benefit from their knowledge and commitment to Coast Guard aviation.
Director of the Irish Coast Guard, Micheál O’Toole said: ““My overarching requirement throughout this transition is the safe and effective continuation of services without interruption. I wish to note the commitment and professionalism that has supported the delivery of this objective.
“I also acknowledge the sustained contribution of the CHCI operational team over more than a decade, as well as the consistent performance of the Sikorsky 92 platform, and I now look forward to the next phase of enhanced Coast Guard aviation services.”
