New Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles Boost Safety at V.C. Bird International Airport

Emergency response capabilities at the V.C. Bird International Airport have been significantly strengthened with the commissioning of new state-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles and a fully equipped emergency medical services ambulance.

The equipment was officially placed into service during a handover ceremony at the Calvin Ayre Hangar at the airport.

Among the new additions is a Volkan Lion Class Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting 6×6 vehicle, designed to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency operations. The vehicle can carry up to 14,000 litres of water and discharge powerful streams of firefighting agents over considerable distances.

The government has also invested in a high-reach extendable aircraft firefighting vehicle, supported by two water tankers, to further enhance the airport’s ability to respond to aircraft emergencies.

The two specialised rescue and firefighting vehicles were acquired at a combined cost of approximately US$1.2 million. An additional US$100,000 was spent on a fully equipped EMS ambulance to provide immediate medical assistance during emergencies at the airport.

The acquisition resulted from a longstanding partnership with Allan and Co., which has played a significant role in the development and expansion of the V.C. Bird International Airport over the years.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Charles “Max” Fernandez said the investment demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to maintaining high safety standards at the country’s principal international gateway.

“I know first-hand how tremendously busy our airport community has been and continues to be. This investment represents our continued determination to ensure that the V.C. Bird International Airport operates at the standard expected of a modern international airport,” Fernandez said.

He stressed that while the airport’s appearance, efficiency and ability to attract major airlines are important, the safety of passengers, employees and other users must remain the highest priority.

“We can attract the world’s leading airlines and welcome record numbers of visitors, but underpinning all of those achievements must be an uncompromising commitment to safety and emergency preparedness,” the minister added.

Maureen Allan of Allan and Co. said the Volkan vehicle was carefully selected for its durability and ability to withstand Antigua and Barbuda’s environmental conditions, which can be particularly damaging to certain materials and equipment.

Its advanced operational capacity will allow emergency personnel to respond more effectively to aircraft-related incidents while providing immediate support in situations involving injuries.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivian Parker accepted the Volkan vehicle on behalf of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Fire Department. He described the acquisition as the fulfilment of a commitment to airport safety.

“This is more than the delivery of equipment; it is the delivery of a promise—a promise to every passenger, every airline and every citizen that safety at the V.C. Bird International Airport is our highest priority,” Parker said.

The Volkan Lion Class ARFF 6×6 will provide the airport’s fire and rescue personnel with the speed, technology and firefighting capacity required to support Category 9 airport operations and deliver an immediate, professional and coordinated emergency response.

The ceremony was attended by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin; Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Rolston Potter; Airport Chief Executive Officer Curt Menal; Deputy Commissioner Parker; Maureen Allan; and other officials.

The new equipment is expected to significantly improve the airport’s overall emergency preparedness while providing greater protection for passengers, airline crews, airport employees and the wider airport community.