CHC Ireland said it is “with regret” that it learnt it was unsuccessful in its bid to retain its contract for the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) service.
“CHC has served the people of Ireland for 20-plus years with great distinction,” it has said.
“ All of our staff have given 100% commitment to the Irish Coast Guard and Ireland. Many have been recognised for their life-saving missions with international bravery awards,” it said.
The company thanked all its staff for “their unflinching commitment to their duty.”
Alan Corbett, Bristow's Chief Operating Officer, Government Services, said: "We are honoured the Irish Department of Transport has confirmed Bristow Ireland as the preferred bidder for the provision of the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service.”
"We will continue working closely with the Irish Department of Transport to finalise contracts and look forward to integrating our significant global experience and capabilities into this critical public service," he said.
Bristow Ireland Ltd company is part of the Bristow Group, which holds Britain’s 1.6 billion euro search and rescue (SAR) contract for the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency.
It also holds the SAR contract for The Netherlands Coast Guard, and has customers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, Guyana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and the U.S.
The 670 million euro Irish contract will run for ten years in the case of the helicopter service and five years for the fixed wing element of the service, with options to extend both out to 13 years, according to Ireland’s transport minister Eamon Ryan.
The contract makes provision for the Air Corps to provide the fixed wing element of the service after five years.
Over six years ago, CHC Ireland lost four of its air crew when a Dublin-based Sikorsky S-92 crashed at Blackrock Island off the north Mayo coast.
Capt Dara Fitzpatrick, Capt Mark Duffy and winch crew Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby lost their lives in March 2017 while providing top cover for a medical evacuation from a British-registered fishing vessel off the Irish west coast.
The bodies of the two winch crew have not been found.
The Department of Transport said that the preferred bidder was selected “following a comprehensive procurement project” that included “an initial market engagement process, a prequalifying process, an initial request for tender, a negotiation process, and final evaluation of a best and final offer tender from the shortlisted bidders”.
“Over the coming weeks, the Department of Transport will be working with the preferred bidder to finalise contracts,” it said.