The arrival of the new vehicle is part of Christchurch Airport’s broader fleet transition pro-gramme. With the corporate fleet already 100% electric, the airport is now transitioning its emergency response vehicles as part of its commitment to a zero-emission fleet by 2035.
According to Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport chief executive, the addition of the Rosenbauer RT reflects the airport’s ongoing investment in world-class safety and sustainability solutions.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this new truck ensures our emergency response teams have cutting-edge equipment to keep the airport community safe. At the same time, this is another step towards our zero-emissions goal. Innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. By investing in world-class emergency response technology, we’re ensuring our airport remains at the forefront of both safety and environmental leadership,” he said.
Watson also announced that Christchurch has signed a deal with Rosenbauer to take delivery of a second, larger e-Panther electric fire truck in 2026. The e-Panther offers increased levels of performance and capability, ensuring the airport remains at the forefront of emergency response innovation.
The RT fire truck will serve as the airport’s primary first-response vehicle, replacing the existing diesel truck that handles most emergency call outs across the airport campus. While the RT is a 100% EV, it has a small back-up range extender generator that can top up the batteries in exceptional circumstances, ensuring continuous operations even in prolonged emergency situations.
Peter Moore, Christchurch Airport Fire Chief, described the new vehicle as a game-changer.
“It’s fast, highly manoeuvrable, and packed with innovative technology that makes our response times even more effective. Our teams have undertaken intensive training with Rosenbauer experts from Austria, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This is the future of airport firefighting, and we’re proud to be leading the charge,” he added.
