The planes have been acquired on a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement with the US-based Air Lease Corporation, with $620 million in capital costs and $80.86m in four-year operating costs.
The new planes can accommodate about 120 passengers. Photo / NZDF
The new planes can travel further than the 757s, carry about 9000kg of cargo and accommodate around 120 passengers.
The Defence Force said the livery had been designed to match the RNZAF’s current livery.
“A range of options were considered before settling on the grey with a prominent Kiwi roundel, sending a clear signal that they are military aircraft and are also instantly recognisable as being from New Zealand, no matter the environment,” a statement said.
The NZDF Boeing 757, which will be replaced in 2028. Photo / RNZ, Koroi Hawkins
Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, the chief of Air Force, said the new planes would play a key role in ensuring the Air Force could deliver on Government tasks and maintain the “highest levels” of interoperability and dependability.
“Strategic air transport plays a vital role for a country like New Zealand – responding to events of any description, whether humanitarian recovery, defence personnel deployments or important trade delegations that will continue to enhance New Zealand’s interest,” he said.
“The extra-long-range capability of the Airbus A321XLR will also improve our ability to conduct key missions to Antarctica with greater safety and surety.”
He expected the planes would be fitted out and ready to operate soon after they arrived in 2028.
– RNZ