New Zealand leader takes backup plane on China trip due to frequent breakdowns.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is leading a trade delegation to China, and officials have sent an empty backup plane to ensure he doesn't get stranded due to the aging Boeing 757, nicknamed Betty, that is prone to breakdowns. The twin Royal New Zealand Air Force planes that transport the prime minister are about 30 years old and are due to be replaced by 2030. Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni acknowledged the situation wasn't ideal and said there's a plan in place to update the kit.