Doncaster Sheffield Airport takes another step towards reopening with new firefighting fleet

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has placed an order for three new state-of-the-art fire appliances as work continues to prepare the facility for the return of operations next year.

The specialist aviation firefighting vehicles will be built by Angloco in Batley, West Yorkshire, bringing world-class emergency response capability to the airport ahead of reopening. Angloco is a long-established British manufacturer of firefighting and rescue vehicles, including specialist airport appliances, for customers across the UK and internationally.

Alistair Brown Managing Director, from Angloco said: “We’re proud to have been selected to build these specialist aviation firefighting appliances for Doncaster Sheffield Airport and look forward to progressing a highly productive relationship with the team as operations ramp-up.

“As a Yorkshire manufacturer with decades of experience designing and building fire and rescue vehicles for airports and specialist operators around the world, we look forward to supporting the airport’s reopening plans and delivering appliances tailored to the needs of its crews in supporting airfield operations.”

Rebuilding a safe and efficient airport infrastructure to support reopening

The new appliances are due to be delivered in spring 2027 and will form a key part of the airport’s operational readiness programme. Recruitment for the Airport’s Fire & Rescue Personnel is underway with the first 14 starting in October 2026 and the on-site fire station’s refurbishment now complete. By next year more than 50 fire service staff are expected to be on site ready to support operations.

Wes Bunting, Head of Fire Rescue and Emergency Planning at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “Placing the order for these new appliances is another important step in building the fully equipped operation we need for reopening. Aviation firefighting is a highly specialist area and these state-of-the-art vehicles will give our fire crews the capability, confidence and equipment they need to respond safely and effectively on the aerodrome.

“It is also great to be supporting the wider Yorkshire economy by working with Angloco. Their expertise in airport fire and rescue vehicles, combined with the progress we have made on recruitment and the refurbishment of the fire station, means we are continuing to put the right people, equipment and infrastructure in place.”

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “This is another key milestone in the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, as work continues to reestablish this essential piece of infrastructure, which is set to boost the city, region and wider UK economy. The progress that’s already been made is testament to the brilliant team already on site, many of whom have extensive aviation experience, who will continue to get the job done.”