Special Report: New Zealand modernises transport aircraft fleet

The RNZAF's Boeing 757-2K2 aircraft provide an important strategic transport airlift capability for New Zealand. (Gordon Arthur)

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) continues its much-needed modernisation with the recent induction of its newest platforms, five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft. Initially operated by the RNZAF's C-130J Transition Unit, these aircraft formally transferred to the RNZAF's No 40 Squadron on 1 March.

Next up for the same squadron, which is stationed at RNZAF Base Auckland, is the replacement of two Boeing 757-2K2 transport aircraft under the RNZAF's Future Air Mobility Capability – Strategic programme, a tender for which closed in early February. The tender for this programme was published in December 2024, and it followed a request for information (RFI) directed towards “a number of aviation companies” to help inform the process.

Strategic airlift

Commenting on the Future Air Mobility Capability – Strategic programme, a New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson told Janes, “We're looking for commercially available, unmodified aircraft with a minimum [capacity] of 100 passengers, with 4,000 kg of cargo, in a mixed seating configuration.” The aircraft must also be capable of Antarctic operations.

The spokesperson added, “The tender process is designed to select a preferred supplier, and the information provided will be used to inform the final business case for cabinet consideration. Introduction into service is dependent on production availability. However, the target timeline is from late 2027.”

This project has been fast-tracked, with the MoD spokesperson adding, “The cost of maintaining and issues with reliability of the current fleet, alongside the increased competitiveness of the market for aircraft of this type, have moved this forward. The previous indicative replacement date was 2028.”

Wing Commander Bradley Scott, commanding officer of No 40 Squadron, told