ACI APAC & MID Drives Adoption of Eco-friendly Firefighting Foams at Airports

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific-Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) hosted a webinar to address the issue related to water contamination caused by traditional firefighting foams at airports. The event brought together airport operations experts from across Asia-Pacific & Middle East and Europe to share best practices and insights on transitioning to more environmentally friendly alternatives.
 

With a strong focus on sustainability and airport operations, the webinar attracted 80 participants from over 27 airport operators, highlighting the airport industry's strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The event was built upon discussions held at the joint ACI Operational Safety and Environment committees in Kobe, Japan, where the need for exploring and sharing best practices for eco-friendly firefighting foams was agreed upon.
 
Expert Insights and Best Practices 
The webinar featured presentations from leading experts in the field. Ms. Wendy Weir, Senior Manager, Sustainability, and Ms. Rhonda Lenardon, Senior Manager, Environment, both from Sydney Airport, shared global updates, ACI guidance, and the Australian regulatory landscape, providing valuable context for the challenges faced by airports worldwide. 
 
Mr. Roel den Otter, Airport Fire Officer from Schiphol Airport spoke about the implications of transitioning to environmentally friendly foams, including testing requirements and operational adjustments. 

Mr. Shihab AlAlawi, Airport Fire Service Lead at Muscat International Airport, showcased their successful phase-out of traditional foams and highlighted the importance of selecting the right foam for local conditions.
 
Overcoming Challenges 
Despite the challenges associated with adopting new firefighting foams, such as modifications to fire tenders and training personnel, the webinar demonstrated that airports can successfully transition to more environmentally friendly practices while maintaining safety standards. By sharing their experiences and lessons learned, participants gained valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and achieving successful implementation.
 
The webinar generated significant interest and discussion among attendees, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing. ACI APAC & MID extends its gratitude to Muscat International Airport, Schiphol Airport, and Sydney Airport for their invaluable contributions.