The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken a major step in improving flight safety in the country’s airports by commissioning 10 high-capacity, firefighting vehicles.
The Lion Volkan 6×6 brand Major Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicles (MFFV) have the capacity to carry 14,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam and 250kg of powder. The firefighting vehicles, which can discharge between 6,000 to 10,000 litres of water per minute, will be deployed to three major airports in the country, including the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano.
According to a statement by the acting general manager of corporate affairs at FAAN, Mrs. Faithful Hope-Ivbaze each truck has an acceleration rate of 0-80km per hour in 30 seconds, can discharge while in motion, and is equipped with under-chassis nozzles to tackle running fuel fires. The firefighting vehicles are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to upgrade airport infrastructure, build capacity and train manpower in the aviation industry.
FAAN’s managing director, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and commitment to improving airport safety.
He also noted that the newly commissioned equipment, including eight water tankers, eleven ambulances, two response commanders’ vehicles and aircraft removal and recovery equipment, will be maintained according to manufacturers’ specifications and used by trained personnel.
In his closing remarks, Yadudu charged the air rescue and firefighting department to make the best use of the new equipment while reassuring the public that FAAN would continue to prioritise safety and security at all the country’s airports.
