The Prime Minister's business delegation is beginning its trip to Japan again, after a detour through Brisbane.  

The group was stranded when their Air Force plane broke down in Papua New Guinea.  

Chris Luxon took a commercial flight to arrive in Japan on time, and the trade group and media flew on to Australia, to take an Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo. 

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Nothing gives you more pride than when the Prime Minister steps off an RNZAF plane – you’re not just waving the flag, it shows you’re a capable country.” 

Soper said “We used to lease planes from Qantas.” 

He said “They are for transporting troops – not just the Prime Minister's entourage. That includes journalists – and publicity is very important to them.” 

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