Cornwall Airport Newquay unveils new fleet of next‑gen fire appliances

Three new state-of-the-art aviation fire appliances were recently unveiled at Cornwall Airport Newquay, including the 100th Rosenbauer Panther to be delivered in the UK and ROI. The new vehicles will form a core part of the airport’s rescue and firefighting service, significantly enhancing its ability to respond rapidly and effectively to aircraft emergencies.

The new appliances replace the airport’s original Panther fleet introduced in 2008, when the site transitioned from military to civilian operations under Cornwall Council ownership.

The enhanced specification includes HRET technology (High Reaching Extendable Turret) with each appliance carrying up to 12,000 litres of water alongside specialist firefighting foam and capable of reaching incidents anywhere on the runway in under three minutes – a critical requirement for aviation firefighting.

Charles Dixon, Senior Airport Fire Officer at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “These new Panthers represent a major investment in the safety and resilience of Cornwall Airport Newquay. They significantly enhance our ability to respond rapidly and effectively to any aircraft emergency, helping ensure the continued safety of passengers, crews and airport staff.”

Alongside enhanced performance, the new fleet also supports the airport’s sustainability ambitions. All three vehicles will operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable ‘drop-in’ diesel substitute made from waste oils and fats, as part of a 12-month trial. Unlike traditional fossil diesel, HVO burns cleaner, producing up to 90% lower emissions while still powering vehicles just as reliably, with no compromise to emergency response. Adopting this alternative fuel supports both Cornwall’s climate emergency declaration and our internationally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to reducing emissions across ground operations. HVO fuel is estimated to save over 20 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – roughly equivalent to planting one hundred trees annually and letting them grow for a decade. It’s a simple but powerful step that keeps critical airport services running efficiently while making a meaningful difference for the environment.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council cabinet Member added: “These appliances will not only ensure the continued safety of all those who use the airfield, including passengers, crews and airport staff, but they also represent a step towards a greener and cleaner future.”