TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Civil Aviation Administration said airport firefighters will receive higher hazard duty allowances starting next month.
Firefighters based at Songshan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Penghu, Kinmen, and Taitung airports will receive NT$9,700 (US$298) per month, according to the CAA. Those working at other airports will receive NT$7,760 per month.
The administration said the increase is intended to better reflect firefighters’ responsibilities. Airport firefighters respond to routine fires and must also handle increasingly complex emergencies, including disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
When any abnormal situation occurs with an aircraft in flight, firefighters must remain on standby to ensure operational and flight safety, the administration said.
Airport firefighters must also have specialized expertise, including knowledge of aircraft structures and firefighting vehicles and equipment, the administration said. It added that rising flight volumes in recent years have significantly increased deployment frequency and workload.
