Text & Images; Airbus.
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). This A330neo-based evolution of the combat-proven A330 MRTT aerial refueling and transport aircraft will be equipped with hose and drogue refueling systems, as well as a boom. It also includes Airbus’s medical evacuation kit and will be offered in a VVIP cabin configuration.
The aircraft is scheduled to enter military conversion at the A330 MRTT Center in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to the customer in 2029.
Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underscores the confidence placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability, and sustainability. This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force’s operations, builds on its proven performance over recent years in service with nine customers worldwide, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
This strategic addition to the RTAF fleet marks a significant step in strengthening Thailand’s national defense and enhancing its ability to respond effectively during crises, thereby ensuring the Kingdom’s security. The A330 MRTT+’s advanced capabilities will be critical in ensuring Thailand’s sovereignty, providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and supporting Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
Unveiled at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ incorporates innovations from the A330-800 commercial aircraft, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and optimized aerodynamics and wingtips. These improvements reduce fuel burn and noise by up to 8%. Its increased maximum takeoff weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends its range, increases fuel offloading capacity, and enhances operational flexibility.
By maintaining 95% airframe similarity with the current A330 MRTT fleet, the A330 MRTT+ ensures a common training process and access to a robust global maintenance network.
The A330 MRTT is authorized to refuel more than 25 aircraft types. With over 90% of the market share outside the U.S., the A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia, Canada, France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. To date, 11 customers have ordered a total of 85 aircraft.
In parallel with this new order, Airbus will strengthen its collaboration with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). The two companies have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that includes support for in-country maintenance of the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+. This extension reinforces the existing cooperation for the maintenance of the C295 transport aircraft in Thailand.
The expanded MoU also marks an important step in Airbus’ long-term strategy to align with the Kingdom’s “Make in Thailand” policy. By expanding the scope of TAI’s activities to include maintenance and in-service support of the A330 MRTT+, Airbus will support the Royal Thai Armed Forces in increasing their autonomy to meet critical operational needs, while contributing to the development of local capabilities.
“Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, knowledge, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand,” added Jean-Brice Dumont. “This expanded MOU with TAI ensures the continued operation of the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+ in the country, while strengthening our contribution to Thailand’s defense ecosystem and industrial growth.”
