The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has signed a deal for the lease of two Airbus A321XLRs from the Air Lease Corporation based in the United States, to replace its current pairs of aging Boeing 757s.
The A321XLRs will replace the 757s in quickly transporting personnel and military equipment over long distances, rescue operations in case of disasters in New Zealand and the Pacific, as well as transporting government personalities and supporting diplomatic-commercial missions.
Features of the A321XLR
The Airbus A321XLR aircraft can cover greater distances of over 8,000 km and consume less fuel than the current Boeing 757s. As long-range aircraft, they can accommodate around 120 passengers and carry 9,100 kilograms of cargo.
The two aircraft will adopt the camouflage livery, insignia and symbols of the RNZAF allowing for immediate recognition. The pair of A321XLRs will be stationed at the RNZAF base in Auckland and managed by the 40th Squadron.
Being a lease purchase with an option to reclaim, the two aircraft will be fitted and ready to be operational immediately after their arrival in 2028. In total, the cost of the program will be 620 million dollars and the four-year operating costs will be 80.86 million dollars.
Source and image credit: @Royal New Zealand Air Force
