New Zealand Prime Minister Takes Backup Plane to China Trip Due to Frequent Breakdowns

While the United States boasts Air Force One, a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with advanced capabilities, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins relies on an aging Boeing 757 named Betty. Recently, officials revealed that Betty has been plagued by frequent breakdowns, prompting them to send an empty backup plane to accompany Hipkins on his trade delegation to China.

To ensure the Prime Minister’s safety, authorities dispatched the twin aircraft to Manila, reaching approximately 80% of the distance between Wellington and Beijing. Although the move aims to mitigate potential travel disruptions, it highlights the unreliability of Betty.

In the midst of Hipkins’ trip, Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni addressed the situation back in New Zealand. She emphasized the importance of having a backup plan, considering the financial implications and logistical challenges that would arise if Hipkins and his delegation were left stranded in China without alternative arrangements.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s twin planes, responsible for transporting the Prime Minister, are nearing 30 years of service and are expected to be replaced by 2030. Over the years, they have frequently experienced mechanical issues. In 2016, former Prime Minister John Key encountered a similar setback during his visit to India, requiring a backup aircraft to be dispatched from New Zealand. The incident forced Key to cancel a leg of his trip, which he described as “suboptimal.”

Sepuloni reassured the public that the aircraft, affectionately nicknamed Betty, does not pose a direct safety risk to Hipkins and the 80 individuals traveling with him. She affirmed that no concerning events have occurred during flights or while in transit.

Critics wasted no time in capitalizing on the situation for political gain. David Seymour, leader of the opposition ACT party, highlighted the irony of the government’s declaration of a climate emergency and its pursuit of a serious relationship with China. He viewed the backup plane as undermining both the government’s climate emergency declaration and its desire for respect from a neighboring nation with an expanding naval presence.

Sepuloni acknowledged the unsatisfactory state of affairs and recognized the need for an updated aircraft. While plans are in place to address this issue, the implementation process has yet to commence.

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