Brussels Airport has introduced new crash tenders and a training simulator to enhance emergency response capabilities and operational safety.
Brussels Airport (BRU) has strengthened the operational capability of its airport fire service following the introduction of four new crash tenders and a state-of-the-art driving simulator, representing an investment of almost €6 million.
The new Rosenbauer crash tenders replace five older vehicles that had reached the end of their operational life. Designed specifically for airport emergency response, each 39-tonne vehicle can reach speeds of up to 115km/h, enabling firefighters to respond rapidly to incidents across the airfield.
Each crash tender carries 12,500 litres of water, 1,500 litres of firefighting foam and 225kg of dry powder. Roof-mounted water cannons can discharge up to 5,200 litres of water per minute, while one vehicle has been equipped with a steel piercing nozzle capable of injecting extinguishing agents directly into an aircraft cabin or cargo hold.
Investment strengthens airport emergency response
The new fleet complies with the latest safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Alongside the vehicles, Brussels Airport has introduced a dedicated driving simulator featuring the same cab configuration as the new crash tenders. The simulator allows firefighters to train in realistic emergency scenarios while improving operational readiness in a safe environment.
Brussels Airport’s fire service employs 150 personnel providing emergency cover around the clock. Firefighters are required to reach any incident on the airfield within three minutes, with at least three crash tenders responding, while emergencies within airport buildings must be attended within five minutes.
The airport now operates a firefighting fleet of around 25 specialist vehicles, including six crash tenders, aerial ladder appliances, pumping appliances, an evacuation stair vehicle and a firefighting robot used for incidents in difficult-to-access locations.
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