Future Air Mobility - Strategic (757 Replacement)

On 21 August 2025, the Government announced it was acquiring two Airbus A321XLR to replace the Boeing 757 aircraft.

The new aircraft will be purchased under a six year lease to buy agreement with Air Lease Corporation.

The replacement will ensure New Zealand maintains the sovereign capability to deploy NZDF personnel, deliver freight such as military equipment and humanitarian aid, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly and reliably, over long distances at short notice.

The fleet have greater capacity, range, and speed than the NZDF’s tactical transport aircraft, the C-130Js. The C-130J aircraft are used in conflict areas and carry personnel and heavier equipment over shorter distances. Both types of aircraft are needed given New Zealand’s geographic distance from the rest of the world.

The current 757 aircraft were purchased second hand in 2003 and are 32 years old. They have become more liable to breakdown and require more time for routine maintenance.

Replacement of the aircraft was funded in Budget 25, subject to the approval of the final business case which occurred in August 2025.

The new aircraft will be used for a variety of missions including:

  • Military operations: The primary purpose of the new aircraft fleet will be the transportation of NZDF personnel and freight for military operations. The new fleet will continue to conduct missions such as transporting NZDF personnel and their equipment for deployments. Due to their longer flight range, the new aircraft can better support NZDF’s Antarctic operations.

  • Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR): The new aircraft will continue to support short notice, rapid response Government directed tasks where commercial airliners cannot or do not operate. These tasks can include disaster relief operations throughout New Zealand and in the Pacific and the evacuation of citizens.

  • Trade and partnerships: The new aircraft will be used for diplomatic and trade missions in our region and across the world, particularly for large delegations. It will provide a responsive capability, able to fly into Pacific Islands as well as other areas not frequently served by commercial airlines.

Airbus A321XLR technical specifications

Engines: Pratt & Whitney

Wingspan: 35.80 metres

Length: 44.51 metres

Height: 11.76 metres

Max cruise speed: Mach 0.78

Range: 8,700km (4,700 nautical miles)

Layout: standard commercial layout to accommodate 122 passengers.

Cargo (in cargo holds): Capacity 9,100kg or 42m3

Standard crew: Seven but can be as few as three or as many as 15 depending on mission type.

On 21 August 2025, the Government announced it was acquiring two Airbus A321XLR to replace the Boeing 757 aircraft.

The new aircraft will be purchased under a six year lease to buy agreement with Air Lease Corporation.

The replacement will ensure New Zealand maintains the sovereign capability to deploy NZDF personnel, deliver freight such as military equipment and humanitarian aid, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly and reliably, over long distances at short notice.

The fleet have greater capacity, range, and speed than the NZDF’s tactical transport aircraft, the C-130Js. The C-130J aircraft are used in conflict areas and carry personnel and heavier equipment over shorter distances. Both types of aircraft are needed given New Zealand’s geographic distance from the rest of the world.

The current 757 aircraft were purchased second hand in 2003 and are 32 years old. They have become more liable to breakdown and require more time for routine maintenance.

Replacement of the aircraft was funded in Budget 25, subject to the approval of the final business case which occurred in August 2025.

The new aircraft will be used for a variety of missions including:

  • Military operations: The primary purpose of the new aircraft fleet will be the transportation of NZDF personnel and freight for military operations. The new fleet will continue to conduct missions such as transporting NZDF personnel and their equipment for deployments. Due to their longer flight range, the new aircraft can better support NZDF’s Antarctic operations.

  • Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR): The new aircraft will continue to support short notice, rapid response Government directed tasks where commercial airliners cannot or do not operate. These tasks can include disaster relief operations throughout New Zealand and in the Pacific and the evacuation of citizens.

  • Trade and partnerships: The new aircraft will be used for diplomatic and trade missions in our region and across the world, particularly for large delegations. It will provide a responsive capability, able to fly into Pacific Islands as well as other areas not frequently served by commercial airlines.

Airbus A321XLR technical specifications

Engines: Pratt & Whitney

Wingspan: 35.80 metres

Length: 44.51 metres

Height: 11.76 metres

Max cruise speed: Mach 0.78

Range: 8,700km (4,700 nautical miles)

Layout: standard commercial layout to accommodate 122 passengers.

Cargo (in cargo holds): Capacity 9,100kg or 42m3

Standard crew: Seven but can be as few as three or as many as 15 depending on mission type.