The Hispano Buchon Me-109 was dismantled in London, put in a container and is being shipped to New Zealand by Hamburg Sud as part of its airshow sponsorship.
It is due to arrive at Port Chalmers on March 5.
Airshow general manager Ed Taylor, said yesterday shipping a historic and valuable aircraft such as the Me-109 from the other side of the world was a big undertaking.
The plane is owned by John Romain, of the Aircraft Restoration Company based at Duxford, in the United Kingdom.
Mr Romain and one of his engineers will oversee the unpacking, reassembly and test-flying of the aircraft in the week leading up to the airshow.
The last time an Me-109 was displayed at the airshow was 20 years ago when one was brought out from Europe by Sir Tim Wallis.
‘‘It's been a long time between aircraft and it might be years before New Zealanders get another chance to see one,'' Mr Taylor said.
The plane was expected to fly at least twice on each day of the airshow.
‘‘This will include an aerial duel with its Battle of Britain nemesis, the Spitfire, marking 75 years since that famous conflict,'' Mr Taylor said.
A crowd of about 50,000 people is expected at the airshow over Easter weekend.
