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PM's trip to India off to a delayed start

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Mon, 24 Oct 2016, 4:20PM
The first leg of the journey to India has been cancelled due to aircraft problems (NZH).
The first leg of the journey to India has been cancelled due to aircraft problems (NZH).

PM's trip to India off to a delayed start

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff ,
Publish Date
Mon, 24 Oct 2016, 4:20PM

UDPATED 6.32PM: Prime Minister John Key has been forced to cancel the first day of his trip to India after the Air Force Boeing 737 transporting him and 80 other passengers broke down in Townsville.

The Prime Minister has described the cancellation of part of his India trip as "sub optimal".

A second plane is being sent from New Zealand to pick up the delegation tomorrow morning.

The 757-200 Royal New Zealand Air Force aircaft aborted its take off from Townsville in Queensland this afternoon, following refuelling, because of technical difficulties - never reaching full power - and returned to the apron.

The flight was due to land in Mumbai this evening, local time, as part of a tightly scheduled visit, but with the plane more than four hours behind schedule officials decided to cancel his first day's plans.

The Mumbai programme has been scrapped altogether and Mr Key will fly directly to New Delhi.

In Mumbai, Key had been due to visit the Shree Siddhivinayak Marble Temple, speak at the Bombay Stock exchange, meet the chief minister of Maharashtra and sign an education agreement, as well as attend an innovation showcase for NZ companies.

John Key said as much as it's frustrating, it's one of those things you have to accept from time to time with aircraft - commercial and military.

Mr Key said naturally they are a little bit disappointed.

The trip's departure this morning from Whenuapai had already been delayed by technical problems.

Former Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum and the Defence Force cricket team are among the members of the stranded delegation.

 

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