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The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has announced plans to replace its aging Boeing 757 transports by the end of 2027. The decision comes as operating costs and reliability issues with the current fleet have increased, prompting a fast-tracked business case process. The main contenders for replacement are the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Airbus A321LR.
In a statement released on December 19, 2024, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence stated: "Defence has released a tender to market for proposals to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s two Boeing 757s by the end of 2027." The procurement seeks commercially available aircraft to replace these planes, with information from the tender process informing a final business case for Cabinet consideration.
The RNZAF's two Boeing 757-25K aircraft have been in service for over three decades and are used not only for VIP transport but also for logistical support. In response to a Freedom of Information request, it was revealed that in 2023, these aircraft flew significant hours supporting Army logistics and Air Force operations.
