Dallas Love Field and the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department will present the world’s first fully electric aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle on April 27. The new PANTHER 6×6, built by Rosenbauer International, will be deployed at the airport’s ARFF Station 21 as part of ongoing efforts to modernize emergency response capabilities.
The introduction of this electric vehicle is intended to enhance both operational capacity and environmental performance at Dallas Love Field. The vehicle features acceleration from zero to fifty miles per hour in under fifteen seconds, a master stream reach increased by forty percent compared to diesel vehicles, and quieter engines that reduce noise during emergency responses by about half.
“Innovation and new technologies are a fundamental part of the overall mission of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department to respond quickly, provide excellence in care, and maintain the highest safety standards,” said Justin Ball, chief of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department. “Incorporating the electric PANTHER 6×6 into our fleet equips our personnel with cutting-edge sustainable technology that will help us improve our operational capabilities at Dallas Love Field.”
Dallas Love Field serves nearly eighteen million passengers annually with an average of six hundred seventy-five daily air operations. It ranks second nationally for private aircraft traffic and handles hundreds of fire-related and medical emergencies each year. This level of activity highlights the importance of maintaining top-tier safety infrastructure.
“Enhancing safety and operational resilience are always priorities at DAL,” said Patrick Carreno, director of aviation at Dallas Love Field. “The presence and preparedness of our partner, the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, are invaluable for our airport. With the addition of the electric PANTHER 6×6, we are providing them with a unique resource that strengthens life-saving capabilities while supporting our commitment to energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.”
Following a six-month trial phase, officials say that the PANTHER 6×6 will become a regular part of their operating fleet. A media event showcasing this new vehicle is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29.
