New Zealand PM sparks row after flying to China with backup plane

News Snapshot:

The New Zealand defence force plane ferrying the country’s prime minister to China this week has been judged so unreliable that a backup plane flew in reserve, prompting criticism of Chris Hipkins by the opposition. The use of a backup plane follows previous mishaps involving aircraft carrying New Zealand leaders. The New Zealand Herald first reported that a second New Zealand Royal Air Force (NZRAF) plane was travelling alongside the Kiwi delegation, which landed in Beijing early on Monday. The journey from Wellington to Beijing took 22 hours, with the RNZAF Boeing 757 requiring two stops – in Cairns and...