Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has agreed to purchase the world’s first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck to operate at an airport.
The Austrian manufacturer Rosenbauer International will work on building the truck over the next 20 months with delivery targeted for 2025.
Underlining that the move is another step towards Christchurch having an entirely hybrid/ electric fleet, Tim Morris, Head of Aviation Operations, said: “We are keen to accelerate the airport’s transition to clean energy trucks, and in the next few years, will replace all four trucks as new Rosenbuaer models become available, until our whole fleet runs on green energy.”
The truck will be hybrid/ electric with further developments to hydrogen in the future. “We understand how the Kowhai Park green energy development near the runway will enable New Zealand’s low carbon future,” said Rosenbauer Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Arthur Weimer. “That will be well placed to take advantage of the airport’s intention to include green hydrogen within Kowhai Park.”
“It’s good news for our fire fighters, including ergonomic improvements, more cameras for improved visibility, a different crew cab structure, and options ot give a scene overview,” added Morris
“The Rosenbauer RT Electric Fire Truck’s new technology will give our teams the ideal combination of ‘clean energy’ operation, required compliance and fire fighting capacity at all times. Other benefits include lowering of future operational expenses due to the hybrid/ electric technology with fewer moving parts and a significant savings in fuel costs.”
Header image: The truck pictured is a similar model to the fire truck which will be built for Christchurch Airport. Minor modifications will be made to make it ARFF ready.
