Christchurch Airport has made a notable advancement in its dedication to operational excellence and sustainability by acquiring New Zealand’s first electric fire truck.
The Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) model is fully electric and includes a small backup range extender generator designed to recharge the batteries when needed during extended emergency scenarios. The vehicle will serve as the airport’s primary response unit, taking the place of the current diesel truck.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this new truck ensures our emergency response teams have cutting-edge equipment to keep the airport community safe,” Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson said.
“This is another step towards our zero-emissions goal. Innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. By investing in world-class emergency response technology, we’re ensuring our airport remains at the forefront of both safety and environmental leadership,” he added.
Christchurch Airport fire chief, Peter Moore, described the new truck as a “game changer” and said it will remarkably improve emergency response capabilities.
“It’s fast, highly manoeuvrable, and packed with innovative technology that makes our response times even more effective. Our teams have undertaken intensive training with Rosenbauer experts from Austria, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This is the future of airport firefighting, and we’re proud to be leading the charge,” Moore stated.
Senior Firefighter Trevor Casey, who participated in the training for the new RT fire truck, expressed that operating the vehicle has been an “amazing experience.”
“Getting behind the wheel of this truck has been an amazing experience. It’s incredibly smooth, responsive, and packed with smart features that help us do our jobs better. The training has been excellent; it’s going to take our response times and capability to the next level.”.
Meanwhile, for Christchurch Airport’s Sustainability Transition Leader, Claire Waghorn, the acquisition of the new truck is “a bold step toward decarbonising airport operations” and that it perfectly aligns with the airport’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Christchurch Airport is actively transitioning its emergency response vehicles as part of its commitment to achieving a zero-emission fleet by 2035. The airport is also partnering with the same manufacturer to get a second, larger e-Panther electric fire truck, which is set to arrive in 2026.