What is a primary focus of ARFF operations in relation to aircraft?

The primary focus of ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) operations is ensuring quick response times. This is crucial because in the event of an aircraft emergency, such as a fire or a crash, rapid intervention by trained personnel can significantly mitigate risks to both passengers and crew on board, as well as reduce property damage.

Quick response times allow firefighters to deploy the necessary firefighting equipment and personnel to the site of the emergency as soon as possible. This not only helps in extinguishing fires but also in performing rescues, providing first aid, and preventing further incidents from escalating.

Other options, while they may hold significance in airport operations, do not directly pertain to the existential needs during aircraft emergencies. Maximizing fuel efficiency, preparing for passenger boardings, and minimizing taxiway maintenance, while important for operations and logistics at an airport, do not prioritize the immediate safety and emergency response focus that ARFF operations emphasize.