US spy plane parts arrive in Hawaii

Pieces of the disassembled US spy plane that collided earlier this year with a Chinese fighter jet have arrived in Hawaii.

The EP-3E plane has stood on Hainan island since April where it landed after the mid-air collision.

The fuselage and equipment used to dismantle the plane were packed into an Antonov-124 cargo aircraft, which landed at Hickam Air Force Base.

Navy Cmdr John Fleming of the US Pacific Command in Hawaii, said:

"Things went extremely smoothly. It was a very well-orchestrated operation."

He said civilian technicians were able to finish well before the 25-day target date of July 11 because of ideal weather conditions, lack of mechanical problems and Chinese cooperation.

He added: "By every measure, the cooperation from the host nation was outstanding."