The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has acquired a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle worth N$16 million for Walvis Bay International Airport as part of efforts to strengthen aviation safety and emergency response capabilities. The firefighting truck was acquired from Rosenbauer.
According to NAC, the acquisition forms part of its broader strategy to maintain high international aviation safety standards while positioning Namibia as a competitive aviation and logistics hub in Southern Africa.
The company said the addition of the modern Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle will improve the airport’s emergency response capacity and help ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization safety requirements.
NAC noted that the enhanced firefighting capability will support Walvis Bay International Airport in maintaining and potentially improving its current Category 6 rescue and firefighting status. The upgrade is also expected to allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft while boosting confidence among international airlines and passengers.
The investment aligns with Namibia’s ambitions to attract more international airlines and improve air connectivity, with airport safety infrastructure regarded as a key consideration for carriers selecting destinations.
Walvis Bay remains a strategic gateway for tourism, cargo movement and trade, linking Namibia to international markets. NAC said continued infrastructure upgrades at the airport are aimed at creating a more attractive and competitive environment for both passenger and cargo operators.
The airport operator has continued investing in infrastructure across its airport portfolio while maintaining its aeronautical and non-aeronautical fees unchanged for a third consecutive year.
NAC has completed an extension at Hosea Kutako International Airport, upgraded the sewer treatment plant at the airport to accommodate growing passenger volumes, and rehabilitated the apron and taxiway at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport.
The company said the investments form part of its broader strategy focused on airport safety, security, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
NAC’s two international airports, Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport, have long-term aerodrome operating certificates.
Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport in Northern Namibia and Eros Airport in Windhoek have obtained three-year aerodrome licences following inspections conducted by the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority.
The airports exceeded the authority’s Effective Implementation benchmark of 75%, with Eros Airport recording 85% and Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport achieving 76%.
At regional airports, Rundu Airport, Katima Mulilo Airport and Lüderitz Airport have completed Phase 2 of the aerodrome licensing process, with 12 manuals approved by the aviation authority as part of preparations for long-term operating licences.
The company has also implemented the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme at Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport as part of efforts to monitor and reduce carbon emissions across its airport network.
