New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins' recent trade mission to China has highlighted the country's aging aircraft fleet. A backup Boeing 757 was dispatched to Manila – a significant portion of the journey – in case the primary aircraft, nicknamed "Betty," experienced mechanical issues. This precaution follows a history of breakdowns with the 30-year-old planes used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force for VIP transport.

Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni defended the decision, emphasizing the potential costs and logistical challenges of a prime ministerial stranding overseas. She explained that the backup plane in Manila was a cost-effective measure compared to the potential expenses of last-minute arrangements for the Prime Minister and his 80-person delegation.

While Sepuloni reassured the public that the aging aircraft posed no immediate safety risk, the incident has drawn criticism. Opposition leader David Seymour questioned the government's commitment to addressing the climate emergency while utilizing less fuel-efficient aircraft and also its seriousness in dealing with China, given the perceived weakness projected by the backup plane strategy.

The situation underscores the need for fleet modernization, a plan already in place but yet to be implemented. The two Boeing 757s are scheduled for replacement by 2030. This isn't the first time such issues have arisen; in 2016, then-Prime Minister John Key experienced similar travel disruptions due to aircraft problems.