The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has placed an order for the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), a new version of the A330neo-based aerial refuelling and transport aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with both hose-and-drogue and boom refuelling systems, an Airbus Medical Evacuation kit, and a VVIP cabin configuration.
The military conversion of the aircraft is scheduled to begin at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026. Delivery to the RTAF is expected 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. This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations, builds on its proven performance over the past years in service with nine customers all over the world, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
According to Airbus, this addition will enhance Thailand’s national defence capabilities and improve its response during crises. The advanced features of the A330 MRTT+ are expected to support missions related to sovereignty protection, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), as well as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
The A330 MRTT+ was launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow. It incorporates innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner such as Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and optimized aerodynamics including new wing-tips. These updates result in up to 8% lower fuel consumption and reduced noise levels. The maximum take-off weight has increased from 233 tonnes to 242 tonnes, allowing for greater range and higher fuel offload capacity.
With a design that maintains 95% airframe commonality with existing A330 MRTT models, operators can benefit from consistent training processes and access to a global maintenance network.
The current A330 MRTT fleet is capable of refuelling more than 25 types of aircraft. Globally, it holds over 90% market share outside of the United States and has been ordered by countries including Australia, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom as well as NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF). To date there have been orders for a total of 85 aircraft by 11 customers.
Alongside this order, Airbus has signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) for local maintenance support for Thailand’s new tanker. This agreement extends their ongoing cooperation on C295 transport aircraft sustainment within Thailand.
The expansion aligns with Thailand’s “Make in Thailand” policy by broadening TAI’s responsibilities to include maintenance and support services for the new tanker fleet. This initiative aims to increase self-reliance within Thailand’s armed forces while also contributing to local industry development.
“Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, know-how, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand,” added Jean-Brice Dumont. “This expanded MoU with TAI ensures that the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+ will be maintained in-country, while also reinforcing our contribution to Thailand’s defence ecosystem and industrial growth.”
