A Boeing 757-2K2 of the New Zealand Royal Air Force carrying Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Japan broke down during a refuelling stop at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Luxon was part of a delegation of about 52 business leaders and reporters en route to Tokyo, Sky News Australia reported.
The incident was caused by a "fuse problem" on the Boeing 757, registration NZ7571, which occurred during refuelling in Port Moresby. Although Prime Minister Luxon was able to take a commercial flight to Japan, the delegation had to stay overnight. They now plan to fly to Brisbane to catch an Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo.
Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand and part of the delegation, helped to organize the alternative travel arrangements. New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins was critical of the incident, which she described as "embarrassing". Prime Minister Luxon is considering using only commercial flights for such trips in the future. The New Zealand Royal Air Force (NZDF) has previously had problems with the aircraft that were supposed to transport the country's prime ministers.