Boeing to sustain NZ P-8A fleet

Boeing has signed a Head Agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force to support its new fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Executed by Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director, Scott Carpendale and the New Zealand Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short, the first contract under the agreement is for sustainment services for an initial six-year period.

“The initial contract comprises engineering and supply chain services,” said Carpendale. “Subject to performance, it will extend through the life of the fleet in rolling three-year extensions.”

Rob Whight, Integrated Project Team Leader for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence added that Boeing Defence Australia brought proven sustainment capability for the P-8A Poseidon platform and opportunity for knowledge transfer to the New Zealand Defence Force.

“The partnership is key to the New Zealand Defence Force’s sustainment strategy and they are looking forward to Boeing’s contribution over the life of type,” said Whight.

The contract comes on the back of Boeing Defence Australia’s recent contract award for P-8A deeper maintenance for the Royal Australian Air Force, with Australia becoming only the second country outside of the United States to undertake the complex and specialised sustainment services.

To support the New Zealand contract, Boeing has established a new business entity, Boeing New Zealand Limited, which will employ a local team backed by Boeing Australia and international P-8 program teams.

“Our long-term objective is to expand P-8A support in New Zealand in response to the emerging needs of our customer, while pursuing other campaigns and capitalising on synergies between Australian and New Zealand programs,” said Carpendale.

“The Head Agreement acknowledges the importance of the relationship between the New Zealand Defence Force and Boeing in support of the platform, and provides a framework for future growth.”

New Zealand’s fleet of four P-8As will be based at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea with the first expected to arrive in country in December 2022.

The initial sustainment contract commenced in October 2022 and runs to September 2028.