Airport’s new electric fire truck

Christchurch Airport has New Zealand’s first electric fire truck.

The vehicle (pictured) is part of the airport’s broader fleet transition programme to have a zero-emission fleet by 2035. Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the addition of the Rosenbauer RT ensures the airport’s emergency response teams have cutting-edge equipment to keep the airport community safe.

He adds that the airport has signed a deal with Rosenbauer to take delivery of a second, larger e-Panther electric fire truck in 2026. The e-Panther is a world-class firefighting vehicle, offering increased levels of performance and capability, ensuring the airport remains at the forefront of emergency response innovation.

The RT fire truck will serve as the airport’s primary first-response vehicle, replacing the existing diesel truck that handles most emergency call outs across the airport campus. While the RT is a 100% EV, it has a small back up range extender generator that can top up the batteries in exceptional circumstances, ensuring continuous operations, even in prolonged emergency situations.

Peter Moore, Christchurch Airport Fire Chief, says the new vehicle enhances emergency response capability.“This truck is a game changer. 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.”