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This aircraft is the first of three multi-mission tanker and transport planes purchased by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021.
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Spain's New A330 MRTT Takes Flight
The first Airbus MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) has been put into service with the 45th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force. This aircraft is the first of three multi-mission tanker and transport planes purchased by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021.
The aircraft, set to operate from Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base in Madrid, has been delivered from the Airbus facilities located in Getafe, where the MRTT aircraft conversion center is situated.
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"With the entry into service of this first A330 MRTT, the Spanish Air and Space Force now has the world's best tanker aircraft in its fleet,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.
“The MRTT will not only provide interoperability with allied nations and strategic autonomy, but will also significantly increase projection, aerial evacuation and in-flight refuelling capabilities."
The Airbus A330 MRTT for Air and Space features a hose-and-basket refueling system, boasting an endurance exceeding 18 flight hours and a range of 16,000 kilometers.
The A330 MRTT stands out as the sole operational tanker and strategic airlifter of its kind. With a significant base fuel capacity of 111 tonnes, it can effectively conduct aerial refuelling missions without requiring extra fuel tanks.
Owing to its spacious fuselage, the A330 MRTT serves as a transport aircraft that can carry as many as 300 personnel or a load of up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lb). Furthermore, this aircraft can be equipped with a specialized Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, enabling the addition of various stretcher modules and intensive-care stations.
Spain's second and third Airbus A330 MRTTs are currently being converted at Getafe, Madrid. The 45th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force has so far used these unconverted A330s to transport military personnel and equipment, for example, in the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024 or the evacuation of Spanish nationals from Niger or Sudan.
