Staff reporter

Crews from 40 Squadron located at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai, will operate the new C-130Js, representing one of the most advanced configurations of the Super Hercules ever produced.

Duncan Milne has been appointed as Babcock Australasia’s managing director aviation and critical services, after two decades of working in senior leadership roles across the aviation and defence industries.

Simon Hickey will participate in a fireside chat to discuss the airport’s progress ahead of its planned opening in late 2026, with the audience able to ask questions.

VH-HJE ran out of fuel en route from Bankstown to Archerfield on 7 April 2023 on the return leg of a freight charter flight, the ATSB said in its final report. It struck multiple trees on its way down, sustaining “substantial” damage but inflicting only “very minor injuries” to the pilot.

The new concept model on display features a much more evolved design with a wingspan larger than previous concepts to improve the aerodynamics of the future combat aircraft.

Registered A62-001, the jet is one of two slated to arrive in coming months and will be used to fly government ministers and the Governor-General, replacing two ageing 737-700s.