Christchurch Airport will buy the world’s first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck to operate at an airport.

Head of aviation operations Tim Morris said the purchase is another step towards Christchurch Airport having an entirely hybrid/electric fleet.

“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 Rosenbauer models become available, until our whole fleet runs on green energy,” he said.

Current testing in Europe indicates the new airport fire truck could reduce fire service diesel usage by more than 75%.

“We understand how the Kōwhai 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.

“The new truck, Rosenbauer RT, will be hybrid/electric with further developments to hydrogen in the future. That will be well placed to take advantage of the airport’s intention to include green hydrogen within Kōwhai Park.”

The truck will be built over the next 20 months and is likely to arrive in New Zealand in 2025.

“It’s good news for our firefighters, including ergonomic improvements, more cameras for improved visibility, a different crew cab structure, and options to give a scene overview,” Morris said.

“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.”