New Zealand leader's plane so prone to breakdowns he takes a backup on China trip
The United States has Air Force One
By NICK PERRY
Published - Jun 26, 2023, 04:06 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 26, 2023, 04:06 AM EDT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The United States has Air Force One, a plane that can refuel in midair and act as a presidential command center.
New Zealand has Betty, an aging Boeing 757 that officials on Monday acknowledged was so prone to breakdowns they had sent an empty backup to ensure Prime Minister Chris Hipkins didn't get stranded in China, where he is leading a trade delegation.
Officials were quick to point out they had sent the plane's twin only as far as Manila, about 80% of the distance from Wellington to Beijing.
Back in New Zealand, acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni was left to explain.
