Aruba Fire Department receives two new Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting vehicles
ORANJESTAD — On September 16, 2026, the Minister of Justice, Integrity and Public Transport, Arthur Dowers, together with the Aruba Fire Department Commander, Jair Tromp, officially presented two new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles at Airport Fire Brigade.
The vehicles are Rosenbauer PANTHER 6x6 models, specially designed to handle aviation-related emergencies. They are part of an order for three ARFF vehicles representing a total investment of Afl. 8,488,483.12. Two of the vehicles are now in Aruba, while the third is scheduled to arrive before the end of the year.
Each vehicle has the capacity to transport 11,400 liters of water, 1,600 liters of foam, and 250 kilograms of extinguishing agent.
During the presentation, Minister Dowers emphasized the importance of this investment for the security of Queen Beatrix International Airport and the operational capacity of Brandweer Airport.
"Queen Beatrix International Airport is crucial infrastructure for Aruba," Minister Dowers noted. "Air connectivity is essential for our tourism, economy, and connection with the rest of the world. Therefore, Aruba must have modern, specialized equipment to respond to aviation emergencies at the highest level."
He added that while modern technology provides better tools for professionals, technology alone is not enough: "It is the preparation, training, experience, and dedication of our firefighters that ultimately makes the difference. Now that the Fire Brigade has this modern equipment, the staff will undergo specialized training to operate them optimally."
With these new ARFF vehicles, the Government is strengthening the readiness and response capacity of the Airport Fire Brigade while investing in the protection of passengers, crew, airport personnel, and the firefighters who stand ready to act every day.