In 2011, Airbus Military delivered the very first A330 MRTT to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The delivery resulted from an extensive development and test program to produce the world’s first certified and flying new-generation tanker/transport aircraft. Since then, 68 modified A330s have been ordered, with 56 delivered as of April 2023.
Customers across five continents
Airbus continues to pick up A330 MRTT orders from governments around the world. However, considering the relatively niche role of this military aircraft, numbers are modest – particularly when compared to the commercial aviation world. Listed below are countries and the number of aircraft ordered, accurate as of April 30th, 2023:
- Australia: 7
- France: 13
- Saudi Arabia: 6
- Singapore: 6
- South Korea: 4
- Spain: 3
- United Kingdom: 14
- United Arab Emirates: 5
- NATO – MMF: 10
There are two notes for this list. Firstly, the Western military alliance known as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has its fleet of MRTTs as part of its MMF, which stands for “multinational MRTT fleet.” As such, while these aircraft may be operated by personnel from specific NATO countries, the aircraft are not attached to a particular country. As noted by the alliance, six NATO Allies pooled their resources to make this initiative possible: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Norway. “This effort has been supported by NATO and the European Union and is an example of effective cooperation between the two organisations when delivering critical capabilities for their members,” a public statement reads.
Photo: Simple Flying
The second thing to note is that Canada is in the process of acquiring two A330 MRTTs. A deal between the Canadian government and International Airfinance Corporation (IAFC), these jets are ex-Kuwait Airways passenger jets and have yet to undergo conversion. One aircraft, however, has been repainted with a ‘Government of Canada’ livery. These Canada-bound aircraft are absent from Airbus Defence’s official numbers. Simple Flying contacted Airbus Defence for clarification on this order/conversion but failed to receive proper clarification.
Where’s the United States?
While the A330 MRTT has been chosen by many NATO members and allies of the United States, it shouldn’t be surprising that the US military would opt for a homegrown solution. This comes in the form of the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, which, like the A330 MRTT, is a multi-role widebody aircraft capable of transportation and aerial refueling. And, like the A330 MRTT, the aircraft is based on a commercial transport platform, which in this case, is the 767-200.
While the Boeing jet may have fewer customers, the US Air Force’s sheer size and operational demands mean that order numbers are well ahead of the A330 MRTT. Three countries (the US, Japan, and Israel) have orders for more than 130 KC-46 Pegasus airframes.
What do you think of the Airbus A330 MRTT? Have you ever seen one for yourself? Share your experiences by leaving a comment.
Sources: Defense iQ, Air Force Technology
Airbus
- Stock Code:
- AIR
- Business Type:
- Planemaker
- Date Founded:
- 1970-12-18
- CEO:
- Guillaume Faury
- Headquarters Location:
- Toulouse, France
- Key Product Lines:
- Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380
