The $60 million plane is an ultra-long-range luxury business jet that will fly non-stop between Paris and Hong Kong. By:Grant Bradley Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the NZ Herald
Read the full 3/5/2019 article here.
"...With capacity for up to 16 passengers compared to the 757's 160, the Falcon is much smaller but more agile with ability to fly much further, faster and into smaller airfields.
The 757 has 18 business class seats while those on board a private jet such as a Falcon can recline on plush couches, arm chairs and showers can be installed. The 757s were nearing the end of their commercial airline life when bought by the RNZAF last decade and although substantially overhauled and modified there have been some embarrassing breakdowns, notably on a trade mission to India in 2016.
The RNZAF had earlier used older Boeing 727s for VIP transport, at the time Jim Bolger was prime minister leading to the plane being dubbed ''Spud One.''
Replacements are expected around the middle of next decade."