The Irish Coast Guard has shared images of the new livery for its next generation aircraft, to be provided under the new aviation services contract.
The new ten year contract was awarded to to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) by the Department of Transport in August last year.
It provides for year-round, day and night search and rescue helicopter services.
The service will be delivered through a fleet of six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters located in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford.
For the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have dedicated Fixed Wing service provided by 2EXCEL Ireland (2EI) located at Shannon Airport.
It said the Fixed Wing capability will enhance the Coast Guard's capacity to coordinate Search and Rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, an area encompassing approximately 132,000 square miles.
"The Irish Coast Guard is an essential state service, and this new contract represents an exciting time for the organisation," said Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers with responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard.
"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.
"The release today of this livery for the new specialist aircraft which will replace the existing fleet marks another important step on the transition of our Coast Guard to the new service provision," he added.
Neil Ebberson, Bristow Director Government Services said the company is proud to work with the Irish Coast Guard.
"This unique livery will feature across the new fleet of specialist helicopters, as well as the fixed wing aircraft operated by our partner 2EI, as we start the transition to the new service in late 2024," he said.
Earlier this month, Bristow was awarded an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) by the IAA.
