Spanish Air and Space Force Inducts First Airbus A330 MRTT

The inaugural Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) for the Spanish Air and Space Force has commenced service with the 45th Wing. This aircraft is the first of three multi-mission tanker and transport planes procured by the Spanish Ministry of Defence in November 2021.

The aircraft, designated to operate from Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base in Madrid, Spain, has been delivered from the Airbus facilities located in Getafe, Madrid, where the A330 MRTT conversion center is situated.

"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 is fitted with a cutting-edge hose-and-basket refueling system and boasts an endurance exceeding 18 flight hours, with a range of 16,000 kilometers.

The A330 MRTT is the sole new-generation tanker and strategic airlifter that is currently available and operational. With a substantial basic fuel load capacity of 111 tonnes, it is capable of executing aerial refueling missions effectively without requiring additional fuel tanks.

Due to its wide-body fuselage, the A330 MRTT serves as a versatile transport aircraft, capable of accommodating up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lb). Furthermore, the aircraft can be equipped with a specialized Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, facilitating the installation of various stretcher modules and intensive-care stations.

The second and third Airbus A330 MRTTs allocated to Spain are currently undergoing conversion at Getafe, Madrid. Thus far, the 45th Wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force has employed these unconverted A330s for transporting military personnel and equipment. Significant operations have included their participation in the Pacific Skies exercise in 2024 and the evacuation of Spanish nationals from Niger and Sudan.