Western Sydney Airport to operate new plug-in hybrid fire trucks

Crews at WSI will operate four Striker Volterra 6×6 aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles. (Image: Airservices)

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) will be the first airport in Australia to operate new plug-in hybrid fire trucks when it opens in 2026.

The four Striker Volterra 6×6 vehicles are set to arrive in 2025 ahead of the airport opening in 2026 and were selected for what Airservices Australia – which operates Australia’s national Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) service – bills as their advanced safety and eco-friendly capabilities.

These capabilities include a high-reach extendable turret that can enable firefighting without exiting the vehicle; lower carbon emissions; and extra protection from noise, toxins and diesel particles.

According to Airservices CEO Jason Harfield, WSI will be among the first airports in the world to operate plug-in hybrid Ultra Large Fire Vehicles.

“Leveraging the new trucks’ quicker response times, reduced emissions, and high-reach extendable turrets will allow ARFF crews to effectively ensure safety by minimising exposure to hazards and creating safer evacuation paths, all while staying protected within the vehicle,” he said.

“Also, by embracing this technology at WSIA, we are taking an important step toward reducing our environmental impact and aligning with Airservices’ strategic goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”

Airservices is also planning on a broader overhaul of its fleet of ARFF vehicles.