MDFR Prepping For Airbus 380 Arrival At MIA
MIAMI (CBS4) - Miami International Airport will make aviation history on Friday with the arrival of the Airbus 380.
It's the largest commercial passenger airliner in the world and as the airport prepares for its inaugural landing, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Aviation Division is also getting ready to ensure a smooth landing.
Firefighters rolled out some of their heavy equipment, checking it to make sure they are ready when the Lufthansa owned Airbus 380 arrives.
During the check, one of several foam trucks that may hit the runway in the event of an emergency was put through the test.
"It's a very specialized area of fire rescue operations. Most airports don't even have an airport of this magnitude to deal with," said Battalion Chief Jose Herrera, referring to Miami International Airport, one of the largest airports in the country and is now home to the largest passenger aircraft in the world.
The Airbus 380 generally carries 525 passengers; however, it can accommodate more than 800.
The aircraft is 237 feet long and 79 feet high.
"It's fuel efficient, It's the new era of aviation and we're excited in Miami to get this plane," said Lauren Stover, Miami International Airport Director of Security.
Firefighters have been studying the airliner in anticipation of its arrival.
"We're doing it through power point presentation right now but, we'll physically get to see it once it arrives tomorrow and go over it with a mechanic himself who tells us the emergency procedures for that aircraft," says Captain Maloney.
Emergency procedures they hope they never have to use but say they're ready if ever needed.
The Airbus 380 lands at MIA at 1:40 p.m. tomorrow from Frankfurt, Germany.
