Boeing 757
RNZAF NZ7572 at Base Ohakea, New Zealand
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) operates two Boeing 757-2K2 aircraft that serve as the country's primary strategic airlift and VIP transport platforms. These aircraft, which entered service in 2003, replaced aging Boeing 727s and significantly enhanced New Zealand's ability to transport personnel, equipment, and government officials across the Pacific region and beyond. The 757s are operated by No. 40 Squadron based at RNZAF Base Ohakea and are registered as NZ7571 and NZ7572. These aircraft are notable for being among the few military-operated 757s in the world and represent a substantial investment in New Zealand's defense and diplomatic capabilities.
“What makes the RNZAF 757s particularly interesting is their dual-role configuration. While they serve VIP transport duties for the Prime Minister, Governor-General, and other senior officials on diplomatic missions, they are also configured for military transport operations. ”
What makes the RNZAF 757s particularly interesting is their dual-role configuration. While they serve VIP transport duties for the Prime Minister, Governor-General, and other senior officials on diplomatic missions, they are also configured for military transport operations. The aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured between passenger, cargo, and medevac roles, making them highly versatile. They feature reinforced cargo floors, a large cargo door, and can carry military equipment, troops, or humanitarian aid supplies. The 757s have been deployed on numerous missions including peacekeeping operations, disaster relief efforts throughout the Pacific, Antarctic resupply missions supporting New Zealand's Scott Base, and repatriation flights. This flexible capability allows New Zealand to maintain a relatively small but highly capable airlift fleet that can respond to both military requirements and civilian emergencies across the vast distances of the Pacific Ocean.
