Western Sydney International Airport Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Facility
CLIENT:
Comtex
SERVICES:
Electrical
SUMMARY: BSE has been engaged by Comtex to provide electrical engineering design finalisation services for the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Facility at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. With the ARFF Facility being integral to the operations of the airport, a key focus of the electrical design is the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and the standby generators, along with their accompanying diesel fuel storage and transfer systems. This is to ensure continued operations even when there are issues with the mains power supply.




OVERVIEW
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, which has been allocated the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code WSI. WSI has been designed to reduce pressure and congestion at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) International Airport, serving as Sydney’s second major airport, and will operate without a curfew.
The airport’s Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Facility is designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating and will provide a Category 10 service, the highest level of emergency response able to cater to the largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The size of the aircraft requires extensive rescue and firefighting cover as determined by the Civil Aviation Authority. The project also includes an airside Hot Fire Training Ground (HFTG) and other associated facilities.
SCOPE DELIVERED
BSE has been engaged by Comtex to provide electrical engineering design finalisation services for the ARFF. With the ARFF Facility being integral to the operations of the airport, a key focus of the electrical design is the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and the standby generators, along with their accompanying diesel fuel storage and transfer systems. This is to ensure continued operations even when there are issues with the mains power supply.
Other highlights include the private building management system (BMS) and solar array. Compared to separate control systems, a BMS offers control and optimisation of equipment cycles with algorithms focused on energy efficiency. The system allows for energy-saving strategies such as precise start-up and run times, eliminating overlaps between systems such as HVAC, adjustments for seasonal conditions, and more.
PROJECT RESULTS
Geoff Taylor, Associate Director - NSW and BSE’s project lead on the ARFF Facility, commented:
“It’s a privilege to contribute to such a nationally significant infrastructure project. Our focus is delivering robust, future-ready electrical systems that align with the airport’s long-term operational and sustainability goals. Working collaboratively with Comtex and other stakeholders, we’re proud to help bring the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Facility to life as part of Western Sydney’s next-generation airport.”
BSE is proud to play a pivotal part in supporting safety at WSI, Sydney’s newest airport.