The country’s government justifies the decision by the mission’s need for success, but the opposition is not convinced.
New Zealand’s prime minister traveled to China and boarded two Boeing 757s from the country’s air force, fearing damage.
The information is confirmed by Chris Hepkins’ office, who justify the decision that the mission must be successful. The prime minister traveled to China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, accompanied by a delegation of executives, hoping to boost trade between the two countries.
“The 757s are about 30 years old, nearing the end of their economic life and should be replaced between 2028 and 2030,” the government spokesperson said.
The opposition to the executive authority did not skimp on criticism, and noted the great environmental impact of the decision, as well as the poor condition of the armed forces in the country.
“If you have a climate emergency, it doesn’t make sense to have 757 seconds in another 30 years,” said Christopher Luxon of the National Party, the largest opposition party.
David Seymour, leader of the ACT Libertarians, went further. “Some people would take a spare cell phone charger with them when they travel abroad, in case they lose it or it breaks. Chris Hepkins needs to take a spare Boeing with him,” he joked.
New Zealand officials have, over the years, had many problems with the national aircraft on official flights. In the year 2022, former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is stranded in Antarctica when an Air Force C-130 malfunctions. He ends up flying back to Wellington on an Italian plane.
In 2016, former Prime Minister John Key had to cut short his visit to India due to the same issue, this time stranding him in the Australian city of Townsville.
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