Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is another step closer to opening, with the arrival of the first of four new Striker Volterra firefighting vehicles, ready for Aviation Rescue Fire Fighters to begin training.
The first of their kind in Australia, the six-wheel-drive, diesel electric hybrid vehicles feature a high reach extendable turret and the ability to pierce the aircraft fuselage to be able to put out fires more rapidly.
The turrets will also allow fires to be fought from within the vehicles, giving first-responders extra protection.
The vehicles will be based at Airservices Australia’s purpose-built Aviation Rescue Firefighting station, which will operate to meet the requirements of aircraft flying in and out of the aerodrome.
From its airside location, firefighters will be able to respond to any emergency situation at the airport in less than three minutes.
The facility, currently under construction, will include standby generators, fuel storage and an airside Hot Fire Training Ground so fire fighters can continue to hone their skills locally.
Ahead of opening day at Western Sydney International Airport, the fire trucks will be used for training both on site and at Melbourne Airport.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“These are the incredible, capable machines we hope we never have to use in an aviation emergency.
“The four trucks will ensure we can respond to any emergency on Sydney’s airfield within 3 minutes.
“They’ll be stored at a state-of-the-art Aviation Rescue Firefighting station, which is currently in the final stages of construction ahead of the start of airport operations next year.”
Quotes attributable to Airservices Australia CEO Rob Sharp:
“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.”
“Our professional team and purpose-built Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service facility will provide aircrew and passengers with reassurance 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.”
Quotes attributable to Airservices Australia ARFFS Firefighter, Line Leader Alex Tracey:
“It’s not every day a new airport is built and being part of establishing the ARFF service here is something most of us will only experience once in our careers, so we’re proud to contribute”.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Western Sydney International Airport CEO, Simon Hickey:
“Airservices purpose-built and modern firefighting facility, Australia’s first Volterra striker vehicles and specialist firefighter training is all part of building Western Sydney International Airport’s (WSI) 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.
“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.”
