The Prime Minister had a clunky start to his highly anticipated trip to China after two planes were spotted going all the way to Asia, one as back-up for a break-down.
The Air Force planes have broken down on a number of overseas trips, and the thirty year-old planes aren't due to be replaced until 2028 at the earliest.
Opposition parties have labelled the move as expensive and wasteful.
Former defence minister Wayne Mapp says the ageing fleet should have been replaced years ago.
Wayne Mapp spoke to Corin Dann
