New Air Force Planes Confirmed
03/03/2003 04:51 PM
IRN
The new aircraft for the Air Force have been confirmed.
Two 757 jets are being purchased to replace the current 727 planes.
Defence Minister Mark Burton describes it as the next step in building a modern, focused, well-equipped Air Force.
The new jets will be modified for dual cargo and passenger carrying capacity.
The first 757's due to arrive mid next month, with the second coming mid year.
Mr Burton says the new jets fly further, carry more and are more reliable than the 727s.
He says upgrading the current planes is not an option, because they are reaching the end of their useful life.