Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commissioned 10 brand new and high-capacity firefighting vehicles to improve the safety of flight operations at the nation’s gateways.

The equipment is to be deployed in Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

A statement by FAAN’s Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, said the Lion Volkan 6×6 Brand, Major Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicles (MFFV) carries 14,000 litres of water, 1,700 litres of foam, 250 kilogrammes powder capacity each, and monitors the discharge rate of between 6,000 litres and 10,000 litres per minute.

It added that with an acceleration rate of 0-80 kilometres per hour in 30 seconds, each of the truck possesses the limitless capacity to discharge while in motion and are also equipped with under-chassis nozzles to tackle running fuel fire.

The Authority’s Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, noted that in fostering safety and security of flight operations, the Federal Government has focused on the tripod of rehabilitation/upgrade of infrastructure, capacity building and training/manpower development.

He said FAAN had arranged a comprehensive training programme for users and the mechanical department to ensure the vehicles are not only deployed as specified by manufacturers but also are maintained accordingly.

The MD equally disclosed that eight new water tankers, 11 ambulances, two brand new response commanders’ vehicles, and aircraft removal and recovery equipment have also been procured and deployed to various airports.

He pledged the agency’s commitment to safety and security at the airports and charged the Air Rescue and Fire Fighting Department to make the best use of the equipment.