New Zealand has officially confirmed the acquisition of two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will replace the aging Boeing 757-200 jets used for decades in strategic transport missions.
The announcement was made by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), which detailed the agreement and the entry-into-service timeline.
According to the NZDF, the jets will be obtained through a six-year leasing agreement with a purchase option from Air Lease Corporation.
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Initial operation of the aircraft is scheduled for 2028. The full project, which includes four years of operations, has an estimated cost of 700 million New Zealand dollars.
Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davis highlighted that the A321XLR will bring significant gains in performance, range and fuel efficiency. Each aircraft will be capable of carrying approximately 120 passengers and up to 9,100 kg of cargo, expanding the armed forces’ logistical capacity.
Davis also revealed details of the new official livery, developed specifically to harmonize with the current visual identity of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
“We considered several options before selecting the grey color with a visible kiwi emblem, which makes it clear that these are military aircraft and allows their New Zealand origin to be immediately recognized in any environment,” he explained.
The aircraft will be based in Auckland and operated by No. 40 Squadron, which is responsible for strategic transport and humanitarian support missions throughout the Pacific.
Source and images: NZ Defence Force X @NZDefenceForce | Airbus. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
