The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed the formal order for the acquisition of three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT).
Under the agreement, the handover of the first aircraft in transport configuration is scheduled in the coming days, followed by its conversion to MRTT in 2024. The handover of the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the third and final unit in 2025.
As anticipated in July, the Spanish government and Airbus reached an agreement in which the former committed to financing 3 key projects for the Defense, as a palliative measure (and to maintain skilled jobs) for the large losses suffered by the aerospace industry as a result of Covid 19. One of these projects was the purchase and conversion of 3 A330s to MRTTs for the Spanish Air Force (EdA).
The acquisition of 3 A330s from Iberia and their conversion to MRTT, work to be carried out between 2021 and 2025, will cost 675 million euros, of which 148 million euros are allocated on the 2021 budget. The first aircraft is a 6-year-old A330-200, with registration EC-MIL, which Iberia used mainly to cover routes to Latin America.
After its retirement from Iberia, the aircraft was sent to Chateauroux (France) where it received an exterior paint change. It 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 refueling 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).
The contract covers associated support such as spares, ground support equipment, training and in-service support until the end of the contract.
‘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 Covid-19 pandemic crisis worldwide,’ said Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President Military Aircraft at Airbus.
The A330 MRTT is the only next-generation strategic tanker and transport aircraft flying and available today. The large 111 tonnes / 245,000 lb basic fuel capacity of the successful A330-200 airliner, from which it is derived, enables the A330 MRTT to excel in Air-to-Air Refuelling missions without the need for additional fuel tanks.
Thanks to its wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT 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.
