New NZDF planes to visit Westport
Westport Airport runway has been given an early spring-clean in anticipation of a visit by new Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft.
From today Westport Airport will be used in a training exercise involving around 50 take-offs and landings around NZ, with five movements scheduled for Westport airport. A security perimeter will be set around the aircraft while they are on the ground.
Airport Operations and Safety Manager Christian Mclay says preparing for the visits also supports the airport’s emergency readiness objectives.
“Coordination with the RNZAF No. 40 Squadron is underway, and tasks at our end include runway sweeping for debris, wildlife management, and general operational readiness.
“These landings will be unique for Westport Airport. While we are restricted to passenger aircraft of up to 30 seats, we also accommodate Air Force operations using larger aircraft.
“This exercise provides an excellent opportunity for the airport to monitor, assess and improve runway safety when handling overweight aircraft that may need to utilise Westport Airport for emergencies, Civil Defence responses, or other critical situations,” he says.
Mr Mclay says bringing the planes into Westport is exciting for local plane spotters.
“These planes have a real presence. In November 2025, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) conducted Exercise Tūhono Rangi in New Zealand, marking a major Indo-Pacific deployment with Airbus A400M transport aircraft, A330, and A321 aircraft. Westport airport welcomed them for one landing and a flyover of Westport and the airport. We know people up and down the Coast were very interested.
“We’re looking forward to the C130J exercise greatly.”
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.