Our safety heroes
The Airport Fire Service (AFS) is an essential part of maintaining airport safety. AFS operates 24/7, 365 days a year. It employs 46 staff, with a minimum of nine firefighters on duty at any one time.
AFS firefighters respond to approximately 550 calls per year, mostly for aircraft, medical, general fire and hazardous substance emergencies. They also perform a wide range of airfield services including runway inspections, wildlife management, perimeter security and foreign object management.
Are you interested in a career as an airport firefighter?
You'll need to:
- Pass a medical and physical competency assessment
- Pass a CAA screening security check
- Be able to relate to a wide range of people
- Be able to adapt and maintain composure in all situations
- Hold a minimum Class 2 learner driver's licence.
For more information please visit christchurchairportcareers.co.nz
Fire safety
Christchurch Airport is rated Category 9 for rescue and firefighting purposes, according to International Civil Aviation Organisation classification.
This means we are resourced to respond with a minimum of three vehicles, with a total capacity of 26,900 litres of foam solution at a rate of 12,900 litres per minute, along with 450kg dry chemical powder at 4.5kg per second.
The AFS operates specialised, state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles manufactured by Rosenbauer. Our major foam vehicles are the Panther model, including a High Reach Extending Turret, while structural fire and medical emergency response provided by the smaller Airwolf model.
