New Zealand Air Force Receives Specially Modified King Air® 350

This week, the Royal New Zealand Air Force received a specially modified King Air® 350, the fourth of a four aircraft ten-year contract with Australia-based Hawker Pacific.

The King Air® will be apart of the RNZAF’s 42 Squardron which is based at Ohakea in New Zealand.

Australian Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said: “This is a significant defence export by a local company, demonstrating the capability of Australia’s defence industry as a global exporter.”

“Supporting Australia’s defence industry remains a priority, particularly through the Covid-19 recovery phase, and there are many opportunities for Australian and NZ businesses to work together.”

Project management/engineering was handled by Hawker Pacific’s Special Missions design team, based in Sydney Australia with installation/testing taking place at the company’s compound in Bankstown.

The special systems placed in the craft were manufactored by MAROPS and Rockwell Collins.

Price added: “NZ is one of Australia’s closest friends and defence partners. Trans-Tasman cooperation is strengthening our already strong bilateral relationship.”