Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL)’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit has significantly upgraded its emergency response capabilities with the operationalization of cutting-edge equipment, including an Articulated Boom Lift and a Multipurpose Firefighting Robot. These advanced additions, alongside the formidable Rosenbauer PANTHER 6X6 fire tender, position CIAL among a select few airports in the nation to deploy such a sophisticated firefighting fleet.
The new assets were officially launched on June 17, 2025, by the Hon’ble Minister for Law and Industries, Shri. P. Rajeeve. CIAL’s Managing Director, Shri. S. Suhas IAS, conducted an inspection of the advanced emergency response vehicles, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to safety and modern technology.
The Articulated Boom Lift is a hydraulically operated, multi-jointed aerial platform designed for precise, elevated access and rescue operations. It can reach a maximum height of 28 meters and has a load capacity of up to 250 kg, providing crucial access in high-elevation scenarios.
Complementing this is the Multipurpose Firefighting Robot, a robust, remote-controlled crawler specifically engineered to operate in extreme fire conditions, thereby ensuring the safety of personnel. Equipped with an inbuilt camera and 360-degree operational capability, this robot facilitates efficient navigation and real-time monitoring in hazardous environments.
These new tools join the Rosenbauer PANTHER 6X6, a high-performance fire tender known for its power and speed. The Panther 6X6 boasts an engine power of up to 750 horsepower, a maximum speed of 115 km/h, and can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in less than 28 seconds. It carries a 12,000-liter water tank, a 1,500-liter foam tank, and features a roof turret with a pump output of 6,000 liters per minute.
The inauguration event was presided over by Minister P. Rajeeve and attended by Managing Director Shri. S. Suhas IAS, Director Shri. Varghese Jacob, Executive Directors Shri. Jayarajan V and Shri. Saji K George, Airport Director Shri. Manu G, ARFF Head Shri. Sojan Koshi, along with other department heads and staff. Dignitaries present included MLAs Anwar Sadath and Roji M. John; MPs Hibi Eden and Haris Beeran; and CIAL directors Yusuff Ali M.A., E.K. Bharat Bhushan, Aruna Sundararajan, N.V. George, and Varghese Jacob.
CIAL Enhances Cybersecurity with New Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC)
In a related development, CIAL is also fortifying its digital defenses with the operationalization of its new Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC). This high-tech hub is dedicated to real-time monitoring, detection, and neutralization of cyber threats, ensuring the resilience and security of CIAL’s digital infrastructure.
The CDOC significantly enhances cybersecurity through its capabilities for real-time threat intelligence, proactive monitoring, and rapid incident response. Supported by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), the facility is equipped with advanced security tools designed to continuously monitor and pre-empt external threats, ensuring next-level security through next-generation technology.
