CORNWALL Airport Newquay has made the biggest upgrade to its rescue and firefighting capability since the site transitioned from military to civilian operations nearly 20 years ago.

Three new state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Panther aviation fire appliances have been unveiled.

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.

Charles Dixon, the 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.”

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 high reaching extendable turret technology 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, which is a critical requirement for aviation firefighting.

Alongside enhanced performance, the new fleet also supports the airport’s sustainability ambitions.

All three vehicles will operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil as part of a 12-month trial, with the renewable fuel capable of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional diesel.

The arrival of the new fleet reinforces Cornwall Airport Newquay’s ongoing investment in safety, operational resilience, and future-ready infrastructure.

Cornwall Airport Newquay, which boasts one of the UK’s longest runways at 2,744 metres, supports commercial flights, business and general aviation, training, military use, and vital lifeline services including Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and HM Coastguard.

It is also home to Spaceport Cornwall, the nation’s only combined air and spaceport.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council cabinet member for economic regeneration and investment, said: “This investment underlines our commitment to the airport, which plays such a vital role in ensuring Cornwall's connectivity and helping to unlock our economic potential.

“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.”

The delivery is also a landmark moment for Rosenbauer UK, representing the company’s 100th Panther supplied in the UK and Republic of Ireland market.

The Rosenbauer Group supplies high‑quality frontline fire vehicles and firefighting equipment to the UK and Ireland's municipal, airfield and industrial markets.

Ian Robertshaw, Rosenbauer managing director, said: “Delivering the 100th Panther into the UK and Republic of Ireland is a significant milestone for Rosenbauer, and we are proud that it forms part of Cornwall Airport Newquay's investment in next-generation firefighting capability.

“These vehicles represent the highest standards of performance, safety and reliability in airport fire operations, and we are delighted to support the airport as it strengthens its emergency response provision for the region.”