Irish Coast Guard opens new base at Waterford Airport
Bristow Ireland is deploying six AW189 helicopters across four bases.
The Irish Coast Guard has opened a new base at Waterford Airport on Ireland’s south-east coast after the transition of emergency response air services from CHC Helicopter to Bristow Ireland.
The aviation service delivers helicopter operations using six AW189 helicopters across four bases – Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Weston Airport, Dublin. The contract also includes a 24/7 dedicated fixed-wing service, provided by two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft based in Shannon on the country’s west coast.
The provision of six helicopters, five of which are new, and the addition of the fixed-wing service represents a significant boost to overall capability, according to Irish government’s Department of Transport. The inclusion of fixed-wing cover, including search and rescue coordination, provides the the ability to deploy life rafts, top-cover communications for longer range missions and a maritime environmental monitoring role, it added.
Speaking at the official opening of the new base earlier this month Seán Canney, minister of State with Department of Transport said: “This contract is a result of a thorough and complex procurement process undertaken by my department. The procurement project was completed on time and within the estimated budget. Following contract award, the operation of the individual bases transitioned to Bristow Ireland on a phased basis and without any interruption to services.”
The impact of this new contract is already being felt, he said. “Since the commencement of services in December 2024, over 550 helicopter missions have been completed, with two of these including long-range medical evacuations over 150 miles off the south-west coast. Additionally, the fixed-wing aircraft has been tasked for over 110 missions since it commenced operations in August 2025,” said Canney.
The new Coast Guard operation will work in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Síochána, the national police and security service of Ireland.
Philip Bartlett, director of Bristow Ireland said: “We never underestimate the vital role search and rescue teams play in communities across Ireland. As we introduce new technology and new aircraft, the safe transition at Waterford – and all the SAR bases in Ireland – has been the overriding priority at every step.”
The total value of the contract – covering 10 years of helicopter operations and a minimum of five years for the fixed-wing service – is valued at €816m including VAT.
Meanwhile, Bristow Group will release its first quarter 2026 financial results after market close on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026.
