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Western Sydney International Airport has received the first of four plug-in hybrid fire trucks ahead of its opening next year.
The Striker Volterra 6×6 vehicles, ordered in 2023 by Airservices Australia, will operate out of a purpose-built Aviation Rescue Firefighting station – currently under construction – which Airservices says will allow firefighters to respond to any emergency at WSI in under three minutes.
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The ARFF facility will include standby generators, an airside hot fire training ground, and fuel tanks.
“The introduction of the hybrid Striker Volterra trucks at Western Sydney is one of the ways in which Airservices Australia is embracing technology to uplift our capabilities for the next generation of aviation,” said Airservices CEO Rob Sharp.
“Our professional team and purpose-built Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service facility will provide aircrew and passengers with reassurance that we’ll be ready to respond rapidly, if and when needed, anywhere on the aerodrome.
“The first group of Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters assigned to Western Sydney are currently training on the Volterra trucks and practicing coordination procedures with local emergency services, including last month’s aerodrome emergency exercise.
“Airservices is currently looking at the entire ARFFS operational ecosystem to identify ways to enhance our service delivery in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and world-class.”
The trucks come equipped with high-reach extendable turrets and can pierce the fuselage of an aeroplane to more quickly fight fires.
First responders can also use the turrets to fight fires more effectively from inside the vehicles, according to Airservices Australia ARFFS firefighter, line leader Alex Tracey.
“The Striker trucks are new to our service. They give our crews the capability to be ready for any emergency at Western Sydney Airport.
“The High Reach Extendable Turret in particular means we can tackle fires faster and safer. It gives our crews the ability to fight fires from a distance, as well as areas around an aircraft that would otherwise be dangerous to approach.”
Simon Hickey, CEO of WSI, said the arrival of the trucks and construction of the facility are “all part of building Western Sydney International Airport’s essential capability ahead of the airport’s opening in the second half of 2026”.
“Just as we’re ramping up the airport’s operational trials and systems testing, Airservices are preparing to handle any emergency – small or large – supported by the best technology and expert team,” he said.
“All this planning, investment and preparation gives us confidence that WSI will deliver a modern, safe, and reliable experience for passengers and airlines. Safety is our priority.”
The airport last month saw its first jet landing as part of a full-scale emergency response simulation.
