The Government has managed to sell the eight remaining Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) retired Skyhawk fighters.
They will be bought by an American company called JDI Holdings for $7.9million, the price includes engines and spare parts.
“This is the resolution of what has been a long process,” said Dr Mapp. It is expected that JDI Holdings – which intends to fly the Skyhawks – will take delivery of the planes within six months.
“JDI Holdings know the Skyhawk well,” said the Minister, “and are a fitting purchaser to write the next chapter in the history of these aircraft.”
The deal depends on approval from the US State Department.
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The other nine Skyhawks of the original fleet of 17 have been permanently loaned to museums around New Zealand, and one museum in Australia.
Aermacchis will go to six aviation museums, with a further three museums still to confirm their acceptance.
Some Aermacchis will stay at the RNZAF’s Ground Training Wing in Woodbourne and may be used as non-flying training aids replacing the Strikemasters used for that purpose.
One Strikemaster will be offered to MOTAT, and three to other museums.
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