Christchurch Airport has introduced New Zealand’s first electric fire truck, marking a major step in its push for sustainability and operational excellence. The Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology), revealed today, is also the first electric fire truck at any airport in the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing Christchurch Airport’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices.
The arrival of the new vehicle is part of the airport’s plan to transition its entire emergency response fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Chief Executive Justin Watson said the addition of the Rosenbauer RT demonstrates the airport’s commitment to cutting-edge safety and environmental responsibility.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this new truck ensures our emergency response teams have state-of-the-art equipment to keep the airport community safe. At the same time, this is another step towards our zero-emissions goal,” Watson said.
Christchurch Airport has also secured a second electric fire truck, the e-Panther, which is expected to arrive in 2026. The RT will replace the airport’s primary diesel-powered emergency response vehicle and, while fully electric, has a range extender generator to ensure uninterrupted service during prolonged emergencies.
Fire Chief Peter Moore described the new vehicle as a game changer, highlighting its speed, manoeuvrability, and advanced technology to improve response times.
“Our teams have undergone 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,” Moore said.
The airport’s sustainability transition leader, Claire Waghorn, said the move aligns with its broader sustainability goals.
“This is a bold step toward decarbonising airport operations, proving that even the most critical airport functions can be both safe and sustainable,” she said.
Senior firefighter Trevor Casey, who trained on the RT, said the vehicle was smooth, responsive, and equipped with smart features that enhance emergency response capabilities.
