EDMONTON – Edmonton International Airport first responders have a great new tool for emergency training thanks to a Canadian airline.
Canadian North recently donated a retired Boeing 737 aircraft to EIA to use for training.
“This is the first time we’ve actually had a full-sized aircraft, being able to put our practical training components to use from fire suppression all the way to rescue,” said Burl Hamm, EIA Fire Chief.
Hamm added the EIA emergency responders are fortunate because very few Canadian airports have an actual aircraft to use for training.
Canadian North said it donated the plane to help make the industry safer, which is an important issue for everyone.
“This airplane has flown over 67,000 hours in its life. This is an airplane that many people are familiar with. In fact, if there ever is an incident, training with this real-life training tool will help prepare the people that are being trained for exactly what they will face in a real-life situation,” said Peter McCart with Canadian North.
EIA is making the plane available to other emergency responders including RCMP and Edmonton police.