RNZAF NH90 Helicopter First to Log 3,000 Flight Hours

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 tactical transport helicopter has become the first of the type worldwide to log more than 3,000 flight hours. The milestone was reached during a routine test flight between RNZAF Base Ohakea and the coast, according to a service statement. The aircraft, serial TNZA002, is operated by No. 3 Squadron, which flies the air force's fleet of eight NH90s.

The service announced the achievement in early September, with Airbus Helicopters also confirming the milestone. A minor discrepancy in the date was noted. The RNZAF statement referred to the event occurring "this week" and later "on Wednesday", while Airbus said it took place on 26 August 2026. The RNZAF's NH90 fleet has accumulated more than 20,000 flying hours in total.

The milestone is notable given the type's mixed service record elsewhere. Australia, among other operators, has experienced poor availability with its NH90s. The RNZAF reports strong maintainability and availability, and its helicopters have set several long-distance over-water flight records since 2025, including a two-day, 1,765-mile crossing between Australia and New Zealand.