Media Release

15 March 2007

Air Force Boeing 757 Heads For Upgrade

The first of two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757 aircraft has left New Zealand for an eight month Modification Programme at Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile, Alabama, and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems in Wichita, Kansas.

The programme includes full airframe and avionics modifications to both RNZAF B757's, including the installation of a new forward cargo door and rear air stairs.

The modified 757 will provide the RNZAF with the ability to rapidly change the role of the aircraft to any given task, converting from a standard passenger configuration to a combination freight/passenger, full freight, Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) and VIP set up.

The modified 757 will provide a significant capability increase for the RNZAF, said Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Peter Stockwell.

"Yes, there will be a period where both 757's will be out of the country undergoing the modification upgrade. We have known about this for sometime, and contingency planning has occurred. We have cooperative airlift agreements with other air forces and potential charter and lease options available should an unplanned contingency or emergency arise. The benefits of the upgrade far outweigh the disruption caused by having the aircraft out of service for a period" he said.

The $221 million dollar acquisition and modification project commenced in May 2003 when the RNZAF replaced its aging Boeing 727 aircraft.

The first aircraft is expected to return in December 2007 with both modified 757 aircraft expected to be fully operational and available from early 2008.

ENDS

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