Holmfirth emergency services specialist secures £3m partnership with Ireland airports

Rosenbauer UK, the emergency services equipment specialist, is set to supply Belfast International Airport (BIA) and Shannon Airport with a fleet of high-tech vehicles worth over £3m.

Belfast and Shannon will be the first Irish airports to upgrade its fleet of airfield firefighting vehicles to the new Rosenbauer ‘Panther’ vehicles in 2018.

The 6x6 Panthers, supplied by the Holmfirth-based fire and rescue services supplier, are powered by 750 brake horsepower engines and boast thermal imaging mounted cameras to help firefighters identify the hottest part of the aircraft.

The vehicles also include the Rosenbauer Stinger High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET), which can deliver 6,000 litres of water and foam per minute over a distance of more than 90 metres.

The Stinger also has the capacity to inject the fuselage of an aircraft and deliver 1,000 litres of water or foam per minute into the cockpit from the piercing tool.

Oliver North, Rosenbauer UK managing director, said: “Working with both BIA and Shannon Airport on such prestigious projects is an incredible development within the Irish Airport firefighting arena.

“We have a great relationship with both airports and the Panther has an exceptional legacy across Ireland. These newer versions will only go towards enhancing functionality and safety for both airports.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with both airports and seeing our world-class Panthers out in force for their fire services.”

The Panthers also boast the latest Roll Stability Control software ensuring maximal safety for the crew travelling to incidents at high speed. The machines offer the largest range of vision for firefighters operating the machines for increased firefighter safety.

Mark Bothwell, chief fire officer at Belfast International Airport, added: “The introduction of these appliances not only complements our existing fleet, but represents a significant investment in safety and our firefighting capability.

“These new Panthers are equipped with the latest technology and equipment enabling us to protect both passengers and our Fire and Rescue personnel in the event of an incident.”

Pat O’Brien, chief officer fire & rescue of Shannon Airport’s fire service, also commented: “Ensuring the safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance to the management team at Shannon Airport.

“This new, innovative equipment will have safety benefits for both airport fire service staff and passengers.”

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