Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stuck in Australia after plane breaks down
Collette Devlin18:23, Jul 19 2019
COLLETTE DEVLIN/STUFF
The broken down air force jet that brought Jacinda Ardern to Australia, parked on the tarmac at Melbourne.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been left high and dry in Australia after the air force jet which was going to fly her home broke down.
Efforts were underway to sort the technical issue - a break down of the jet's air data computer - but it was understood the fix would take some time. It had been confirmed the PM was flying back to New Zealand on Friday night on a commercial flight.
Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford did not bring baby Neve on the trip, leaving her with family in New Zealand.
"During pre-flight checks the aircraft suffered a failure of its air data computer, which is an essential part of its flight management system," the Defence Force said in a statement.
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COLLETTE DEVLIN/STUFF
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier arriving in Australia.
"A replacement part is being flown to Australia and it is expected the repair will be made tomorrow."
Earlier this week there were doubts the plane would be able to take Ardern on her overnight trip to Melbourne.
It was not the first time the planes have stranded politicians. In 2016 John Key was stranded in Townsville on his way to India, while a second plane had to be sent to pick up Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters from Vanuatu last month.
Collette Devlin18:23, Jul 19 2019
COLLETTE DEVLIN/STUFF
The broken down air force jet that brought Jacinda Ardern to Australia, parked on the tarmac at Melbourne.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been left high and dry in Australia after the air force jet which was going to fly her home broke down.
Efforts were underway to sort the technical issue - a break down of the jet's air data computer - but it was understood the fix would take some time. It had been confirmed the PM was flying back to New Zealand on Friday night on a commercial flight.
Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford did not bring baby Neve on the trip, leaving her with family in New Zealand.
"During pre-flight checks the aircraft suffered a failure of its air data computer, which is an essential part of its flight management system," the Defence Force said in a statement.
READ MORE:
* 'Unjust' deportations focus of bilateral talk between Ardern, Morrison
* Did this hotel just declare war on Clarke Gayford?
* Jacinda Ardern criticises Australia's deportation laws
COLLETTE DEVLIN/STUFF
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier arriving in Australia.
"A replacement part is being flown to Australia and it is expected the repair will be made tomorrow."
Earlier this week there were doubts the plane would be able to take Ardern on her overnight trip to Melbourne.
It was not the first time the planes have stranded politicians. In 2016 John Key was stranded in Townsville on his way to India, while a second plane had to be sent to pick up Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters from Vanuatu last month.
