Is the PM's use of RNZAF aircraft excessive?

Photo / Mark Mitchell

Prime Minister John Key and his ministers have developed a taste for air force travel, with their use of RNZAF aircraft more than doubling in a year, according to Defence Force documents.

Evidence of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's increasing use of air force aircraft came as Mr Key copped flak yesterday over his use of an Iroquois helicopter to get from Auckland to the V8 Supercar races in Hamilton and back in time for a golf club dinner.

Budget documents show the RNZAF allows 70 flying hours in its Boeing 757 aircraft for the use of the department each year, 25 hours of Iroquois flying time, and 100 hours for the 11-seat King Air aeroplanes.

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