The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has received its fourth C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft, strengthening the country’s military air transport capabilities. Registered as NZ7014, the aircraft arrived at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai in late October 2024. It completed a journey of more than 14,000 kilometres from Georgia, USA, with stops in California, Hawaii and American Samoa before reaching New Zealand.
The delivery is part of New Zealand’s programme to replace its ageing C-130H Hercules fleet with five new C-130J-30 aircraft. The modern transport aircraft are designed to support a wide range of missions, including military logistics, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and the movement of personnel and equipment. The fifth and final aircraft was expected to arrive before the end of 2024, completing the planned acquisition and helping the RNZAF improve the reliability and operational readiness of its air transport fleet.
