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
ODU RT

 

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

Aerospace

AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

15 April 2026

AGS Airports has appointed professional services firm WSP and architectural practice Pascall + Watson as its design partners for the next stage of its £350 million AGS Reimagined transformation programme, across Glasgow and Southampton airports.

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

Aerospace

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

15 April 2026

Heathrow handled £293 billion worth of goods in 2025, according to the latest Government trade data, which is more than a quarter of all UK trade by value.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

15 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India, to lead the company's operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation and logistics markets.

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

Aerospace Security

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

15 April 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

Aerospace Space Events

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

14 April 2026

During the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) today, Viasat announced it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company’s next-gen electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programmes.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner