Airbus Defence & Space has secured a launch customer for its A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), with the Royal Thai Air Force ordering a single example.
Based on the A330-800 and powered by twin Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the aircraft will be equipped with both a boom and hose-and-drogue refuelling system.
Thailand has also ordered a medical evacuation kit for the aircraft, which will come with a VVIP cabin configuration.
Conversion of the ‘green’ A330neo will begin at Airbus’s MRTT facility in Getafe, Spain in 2026, ahead of delivery to the customer in 2029.
“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence & Space.
Unveiled at the 2024 Farnborough air show, the A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including the Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips to deliver an 8% lower fuel burn over the preceding A330-200-derived tanker.
Maximum take-off weight also rises to 242t from 233t previously.
Operators of the current-generation MRTT in the Asia-Pacific include the Royal Australian Air Force (6), the Republic of Korea Air Force (4), and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (6).
Separately, the Royal Thai Air Force has signed for two additional Airbus Helicopters H225 heavy-twins for search and rescue and emergency medical services missions. Thailand already operates a fleet of 12 of the militarised H225M variant.
This story has been updated to include the H225 order.
