AUD5 million aviation rescue and fire station at Ayers Rock

Mr Truss said the $5 million station and fire training ground has been established to respond to aviation emergencies at the airport.

"This station will provide a vital, first response to emergencies at Connellan (Ayers Rock) Airport and ensure the safety of the hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the Red Centre each year," he said.

Airservices Australia's Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting stations are established when passenger numbers exceed 350,000 per year. This is required to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements.

The new station has also provided a significant boost to the local regional economy.

Mr Truss said the building was pre-fabricated in Alice Springs and assembled on site. The station will be staffed by eight fire fighters, two station officers and one senior fire commander.

"The station was designed to suit the local climate and blend with the unique surroundings. It has a sophisticated communication system, automated systems for doors and specialised water storage and booster system," he said.

In the last financial year, Airservices Australia's airport fire and rescue service responded to almost 5,400 airfield incidents and treated 13 people in life-threatening situations in non-airfield incidents.

Airservices' Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting service provides a critical first response to emergencies at Australia's 17 busiest airports.

Airservices Australia is one of the world's largest providers of Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting services with more than 550 officers, 58 fire tenders and 13 water rescue boats.