Farewell to RNZAF C-130H

On Monday, 3 February, and Tuesday, 4 February 2025, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) conducted farewell flights for the C-130H(NZ) Hercules.

The three aircraft - NZ7001, NZ7002, and NZ7005 - arrived in Invercargill (South Island) on 3 February. The following day, NZ7002 and NZ7005 departed for RNZAF Woodbourne, where they will be stored. They were welcomed with a traditional haka, a ceremonial performance in Māori culture.

Officially, the C-130H aircraft were retired on Friday, 31 January 2025. One of them, likely NZ7001, will be displayed at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram.

The RNZAF received its first C-130H on 24 March 1965. NZ7001 was part of an initial order for three aircraft approved by the New Zealand Government on 17 June 1963. A subsequent order for two additional aircraft was approved on 29 May 1967.

These venerable transporters have been replaced by five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. The first was officially handed over on 8 August 2024, and the last arrived at RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai) on 18 December 2024.

Credit photo: RNZAF