State-of-the-art fire-fighting engines for Auckland Airport

Rosenbauer Panther vehicles

Four firefighting vehicles were unveiled today during a ceremony at Auckland Airport, declaring the new engines officially ready for service!

The Rosenbauer Panthers are the most sophisticated firefighting vehicles on the market today and have been specifically designed to cater for the full fleet of aircraft serving Auckland including the increasing number of A380s that serve Auckland Airport.

Judy Nicholl, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical operations, says the four new Panthers were purchased by the airport for $5.3 million and will help to ensure the Airport Emergency Services team is providing the best emergency response possible.

"The prime focus of our Emergency Services team is to save lives," says Ms Nicholl. "These new Panthers mean our team has the best equipment that is out there today, maximising our ability to save lives in an aviation rescue operation."

"The new engines also form part of Auckland Airport’s ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ business strategy to invest in infrastructure to support our long-term growth requirements," says Ms Nicholl. "With these Panthers, we are proactively investing in the upgrade of Airport Emergency Services equipment to ensure we will continue to provide a world class response to an aviation incident."

The vehicles, which came from Austria, were chosen through a worldwide tender process. The process was won by The Rosenbauer Group, a world leader in airport firefighting appliances.

The Rosenbauer Panthers have state-of-the-art technology including engine and pump monitoring systems, CCTV, thermal imaging cameras and extinguishing systems. They are also the first firefighting vehicles of their size to comply with the environmental standard Euro 5.

"The firefighting equipment built into these Panthers was also developed to meet the operational requirements of new generation aircraft including the A380, the largest passenger aircraft in service today," says Ms Nicholl. "This was important for us considering we already have three A380s serving Auckland Airport, a number which will only continue to increase."

At the ceremony, which was held at Auckland Airport Emergency Services Fire station, the four Panthers received a blessing in which each vehicle was gifted with a local Maori ancestral name – Oruarangi, Waitomokia, Wairere and Waikohu.

The Airport Emergency Services team is currently undergoing intensive training to ensure they are fully skilled in operating the Panthers, which have an operational life-span of 15 to 20 years.

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of new Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative - Photo by Aico - Fire Buyer

Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative

Aico has announced the launch of its Platinum Partner initiative, a prestigious recognition programme designed to elevate industry
Picture of Enforcer Volterra sign - Photo by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. - Fire Buyer

Frederick County Prepares for Delivery of Electric Fire Truck

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, has announced that the Frederick County, Maryland Division of
Picture of ship - Photo by Survitec - Fire Buyer

Maritime Protection Secures Record €22.7m Contract

Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has been awarded a contract valued at…
Picture of Paul Haynes at Mann McGowan - Fire Buyer

Mann McGowan Strengthen Sales Team With New Appointment

Mann McGowan, manufacturer of high performance intumescent fire, smoke and acoustic seals, has announced the appointment of Paul…
Picture of Rescue Intellitech product - Photo by Rescue Intellitech - Fire Buyer

Rescue Intellitech Launches New Firefighting Equipment Solution

Rescue Intellitech has launched advanced, dual-drying cabinets for PPE which will help fire and rescue services in the UK improve…
Picture of WAGNER product - Photo by Wagner - Fire Buyer

WAGNER to Unveil Groundbreaking Fire Protection Solutions at FeuerTrutz 2025

At the upcoming FeuerTrutz, the leading trade fair for preventive fire protection in Nuremberg, WAGNER will showcase its comprehensive…
Picture of firefighter - Photo by Dräger - Fire Buyer

Dräger Launches New Water Rescue Helmet

Dräger has launched the HPS AquaRescue, a new lightweight helmet for use by emergency services personnel who need to..
Picture of 2025 IWMA Ragnar Wighus Award Winner - Photo by IWMA - Fire Buyer

IWMA Announces Winner of 2025 Ragnar Wighus Award

The Ragnar Wighus Award, a prize bestowed by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), has this year been won by Azad Hamzehpour…
Handshake

HAIX Launches New Firefighting Boot with EXTRAGUARD Upper

HAIX has unveiled the FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG, a firefighting boot incorporating a newly developed upper material aimed at increasing…
Picture of wildfires - Picture by Fire Buyer

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Crosses Atlantic, Reaches Europe

As Canadian wildfire crews continue to confront intense blazes across multiple provinces, smoke generated by these fires is now making its…
Scroll to Top