Airservices Australia’s frontline Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) services will be equipped with next-generation hybrid electric aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA), providing improved safety outcomes for fire crews while shortening response times.
Airservices is one of the first international customers to secure the rights to purchase four newly-developed Striker Volterra 6×6 aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles from leading US-based fire fighting equipment manufacturer Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.
The Striker Volterra 6×6 is a Plug-in Hybrid-Electric (PHEV) ARFF vehicle combining the latest hybrid engine technology with improved fire fighter safety and lower running costs, and is due for delivery in 2025 ahead of the WSIA opening in late 2026.
The cutting-edge trucks are part of a new generation of PHEV Ultra-Large Fire Vehicles designed specifically for airport use and their acquisition for the WSIA ARFF station comes ahead of a broader program to renew Airservices’ entire fleet of aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles.
The vehicles were selected for their advanced safety and eco-friendly capabilities and features. These include a High Reach Extendable Turret which enable fire-fighting without crew members having to exit the vehicle, greatly reduced carbon emissions, and reduced fire fighter exposure to diesel particles, toxins, and noise.
“Western Sydney International Airport will be the first airport in Australia and among the first in the world to operate PHEV Ultra Large Fire Vehicles,” said Jason Harfield, Airservices Australia Chief Executive Officer.
“Leveraging the new trucks’ quicker response times, reduced emissions, and high-reach extendable turrets will allow ARFF crews to effectively ensure safety by minimising exposure to hazards and creating safer evacuation paths, all while staying protected within the vehicle.
“Also, by embracing this technology at WSIA, we are taking an important step toward reducing our environmental impact and aligning with Airservices’ strategic goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
Airservices’ ARFF service is the only national aviation rescue fire service – a rapid intervention, first-response service which engages within minutes to provide aviation rescue and fire fighting services at 27 of Australia’s busiest airports.
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is responsible for the safe and efficient management of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We connect people with their world safely – linking family and friends, generating economic activity, creating jobs and facilitating trade and tourism.
