Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Bristow Ireland receives AOC from IAA

Bristow Ireland Limited has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), marking a significant step towards the next generation of Coast Guard search and rescue aviation services in Ireland.

Image courtesy Bristow

"Gaining an AOC is a fundamental requirement to provide search and rescue in Ireland," said Neil Ebberson, Bristow Director 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."

Advertisement
ODU RT

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. TOEXCEL Ireland Limited - 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."

Bristow now has Air Operating Certificates covering 11 jurisdictions.
 

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

 

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

Aerospace

Gatwick appoints Mathieu Boutitie as Chief Technical Officer

19 December 2025

London Gatwick has announced Mathieu Boutitie, currently Chief Technical Officer at Kansai Airports Group, as its new Chief Technical Officer, replacing Cedric Laurier who will rejoin VINCI Airports in Paris, with both appointments effective January 2026

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

Aerospace

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

17 December 2025

London Stansted has today secured planning approval from Uttlesford District Council to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

Aerospace Space

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

17 December 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has completed a move into its new flagship, purpose-built, Drone Operations Hub in Westcott Venture Park, equipping the company with a state-of-the-art centralised facility for its UK, European and global drone operations.

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

Aerospace Defence

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

17 December 2025

Three Midlands manufacturing and design specialists - outsourcing expert PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), electronics design and software developer ByteSnap Design and contract electronics manufacturer Kasdonare - have joined forces to launch VORS (Versatile Outsourcing in Resilient Systems).

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

Aerospace

SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

17 December 2025

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has switched on a new Solar PV array at its production facility in Bridge of Weir, Scotland.

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB