A new category 5 aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle (ARFF) handed over to the Lupepau'u International Airport in Vava'u recently will enhance emergency response and aviation safety.
Acting CEO of Tonga Airports Limited, Leonaitasi Taukafa. received the vehicle valued at USD $1.3 million from the Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project I|, under the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) on 16 March.
The CAT 5 vehicle was supplied by Aviation Fire Services Ltd, New Zealand, was funded by the World Bank.
The Tonga Government thanked the World Bank for its continued partnership to ensure strong emergency response capability for safe and reliable airport operations across Tonga.
This completes the US $1.9 million aviation safety equipment investment under the TCRTP 11, which also included two Category 2 response vehicles and firefighting equipment delivered in October 2025 to support Ha’apai and ‘Eua airports.
Natalia Latu, World Bank Country Officer said they were pleased to work with the Ministry of Infrastructure in land, marine and aviation. “Together with the Ministry under the TCRTP 11, we have been able to complete the resurfacing of the runways in Ha’apai and ‘Eua, in addition to navigational aids and storage sheds.”
The Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project is worth US $38 million to improve the climate resilience and safety of Tonga’s transport sector.
“Airport equipment and infrastructure are highly regulated by international authorities and these investments are required to meet international safety standards ensuring safe access both internationally and domestically. It is great that training is also done to build capacity, “ said Natalia.
A training exercise on the operation of the new Category 5 ARFF vehicle has been completed by four ARFF personnel who received certificates, demonstrating their competence in safely and effectively operating the new equipment.
The training was delivered by Aviation Fire Services Ltd of New Zealand from 9-17 March 2026, covering both theoretical and practical aspects, including emergency response techniques, pump-and-roll operations, and safe handling of advanced firefighting systems.
This training ensures that the new ARFF vehicle, recently delivered under TCRTP II, can be safely deployed to strengthen emergency response capability at Lupepau'u International Airport in Vava'u.
