Fire Department at MCIA expands equipment with new firefighting vehicle
Rewritten Article:
The top diplomat from the United States in the Philippines recently gifted Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) a cutting-edge firefighting vehicle designed specifically for aircraft emergencies. This high-tech acquisition boosts the airport's fleet to six Oshkosh Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicles.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson introduced the new Oshkosh vehicle on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, making it the sixth addition to the five units purchased in 2018. In her address, Carlson highlighted MCIA's dedication to aviation safety and operational greatness.
"We eagerly seek to determine additional means to continue aiding the Philippines in bolstering and improving the capabilities of its aviation sector," said Carlson, who made her inaugural visit to Cebu in 2023.
Julius Neri Jr., MCIA's general manager and CEO, warmly thanked the distributor for their role in achieving MCIA's goal of being the country's finest and safest airport and a premier tourist entry point.
"In our pursuit to surpass pre-pandemic passenger numbers, we eagerly anticipate the expected swift growth of the aviation industry, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region," Neri stated in his speech.
"We are deeply grateful and honored for our partnerships with Oshkosh Aerospace, as well as the support from the US government for furnishing us with the finest equipment possible," he added.
Like the fire trucks procured in 2018, the new $110 million American-made fire truck comes equipped with a water capacity of 12,000 liters and a foam capacity of 4,000 liters. These vehicles are specifically engineered to confront runway and aircraft fires, providing swift suppression not provided by standard fire trucks.
Each vehicle is staffed by a team of five in-house aerodrome firefighters, including a senior firefighter, a driver, and three additional personnel.
MCIA earned recognition as the Best Airport in the Asia-Pacific region for the five-15 million passengers per annum category at the 2024 Airport Service Quality Awards by Airports Council International.
Notably, this strategic gift from the US symbolizes an investment in aviation safety, reinforcing the close ties between the two nations. The updated infrastructure supports MCIA's role as the second-busiest airport in the Philippines, further boosting regional connectivity, trade, and tourism in the Visayas region.
- The US Ambassador, MaryKay Carlson, emphasized Mactan-Cebu International Airport's (MCIA) dedication to aviation safety and operational greatness during her recent visit to Cebu, the Philippines, in 2023.
- In 2025, MCIA added a sixth Oshkosh Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle to its fleet, following the purchase of five units in 2018.
- The new Oshkosh vehicle, gifted by the US government, is designed specifically for aircraft emergencies and comes equipped with advanced firefighting capabilities, such as a water capacity of 12,000 liters and a foam capacity of 4,000 liters.
- The aviation industry, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is expected to grow swiftly as MCIA pursues surpassing pre-pandemic passenger numbers, aiming to be one of the safest airports in the Philippines and a premier entry point for tourists.
- As MCIA seeks to grow, it values its partnerships, including that with Oshkosh Aerospace, for providing them with the finest equipment possible for ensuring public-transit safety.
- Notably, this strategic gift from the US further reinforces the close ties between the two nations, supporting MCIA's role as the second-busiest airport in the Philippines and boosting regional connectivity, trade, and tourism in the Visayas region.
