Airport News

New Akron-Canton Airport Fire Trucks Enhance Airfield Safety

Authority and Congressman Boccieri celebrate with christening ceremony

Green, OH:Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) christened two new fire trucks today celebrating the enhanced safety these vehicles will provide, and signaling that the airport's 10-year, $110 million capital improvement plan, CAK2018, is on target.

The aircraft fire and safety rescue trucks, two identical 2009 Rosenbauer 6x6 Panthers, known as Rescue 10 & 11, provide the best technology and rescue equipment ever available at CAK. Above all else, they will keep passengers and runways even safer in the very unlikely event of an aircraft emergency.

"These new vehicles are important to our ongoing efforts to offer exceptional airfield safety, and are part of our larger vision for the Akron-Canton Airport," said Rick McQueen, president and CEO. "We are investing in airfield and terminal improvements, providing an even more relaxing customer experience and better access to the world. I am pleased to report that we are making excellent progress toward our goal, despite the sagging economy."

Reverend Mark Pruitt, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, provided the invocation, blessing the trucks and their firefighters. Congressman John Boccieri also helped welcome the new fire trucks to the airport. He and McQueen toasted to the health and wellness of CAK firefighters and then broke two celebratory bottles of champagne, one against each truck as done in a traditional ship christening.

"As a frequent passenger through the airport, I know first-hand the measures taken to ensure its travelers have a safe flight experience," said Boccieri. "These federal funds help ensure that the Akron-Canton Airport has the equipment to continue to meet the highest quality safety standards."

With these new trucks, the airport exceeds the coverage we are required to provide according to Federal Aviation Administration standards. Some of the unique state-of-the-art features on these trucks include a FLIR camera that has infrared night vision, the ability to hold 3,000 gallons of water and the pumping capability of 1,850 gallons per minute. These trucks have quicker response times than previous CAK fire trucks and the ability to handle off-road conditions. Each vehicle costs $695,000. Federal Airport Improvement Program funding covered 95 percent of the total cost; the rest came from airport operating revenue.

The fire trucks will eventually be housed in a new aircraft firefighting and rescue facility, which is currently in the design phase. The new firehouse will be relocated at the south end of the airfield adjacent to runway 1 and will also house heavy equipment like snow plows, mowers and brooms. Construction of this building is expected to start in the spring of 2011.

Extending Runway 5/23, the centerpiece of CAK2018, is also on schedule with the earth moving work now finished. This $60 million, vital runway project is expected to be completed late next year. The additional length will ensure that an airline can commence longer, west coast flights from CAK.

For photos of the new fire trucks, please visit CAK's Flickr page as well as this YouTube video.

About Akron-Canton Airport

Akron-Canton Airport kicked off CAK 2018, its 10-year, $110-million Capital Improvement Plan in 2008. The plan is the most ambitious in the airport's 63-year history. Keep up to date on all things CAK by visiting CAK's social -- on Twitter , Facebook and YouTube. Airport photos are available on Flickr. Additional information including flight reservations, driving instructions, and relaxation station is available at www.akroncantonairport.com, CAK's comprehensive web portal. Akron-Canton Airport a better way to go®.

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