Spain Orders Three Airbus A330MRTT Aircraft

(16 Nov 2021)  The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed a formal order for the acquisition of three Airbus A330MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft.

Under the agreement, the handover of the first aircraft in transport configuration is expected within days with its conversion to MRTT scheduled for 2024.

The handover of the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the third and final unit in 2025.

The contract covers associated support such as spares, ground support equipment, training and in-service support until the end of the contract.

Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire) Airbus A330MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport)

The aircraft, acquired from Iberia, will be converted into military tanker transport at Airbus’ Spanish headquarters in Getafe, Spain. It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art hose & drogue refuelling system and a specific Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit.

The A330 MRTT fleet will be operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air Base (Madrid).

“With the addition of A330 MRTT to its fleet, the Spanish Air Force acquires a key and proven new capability, that will enhance and support overseas operations, as well as medevac missions, on which the aircraft played a key role during the COVID19 pandemic crisis worldwide,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Military Aircraft at Airbus.

The large 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which the A330MRTT is derived, enables the aircraft to excel in air-to-air refuelling missions without the need for additional fuel tanks.

Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, the A330MRTT can also be used as a dedicated transport aircraft able to carry up to 300 troops, or a payload of up to 45 tonnes/99,000 lb.

It can also easily be converted to accommodate light and intensive care stations for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

With more than 250,000 flight hours achieved, the A330 MRTT counts 51 deliveries to 13 customers.