Contributor - UK

David Donald

Spain’s defense ministry has formally signed the order with Airbus for the acquisition of three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport&nbsp;(MRTT) aircraft. As well as the conversions, the contract covers spares, ground support equipment, training, and in-service support.

 


The aircraft were formerly operated by Spain’s national airline, Iberia, and will undergo conversion to MRTT standard at the Airbus plant at Getafe in Madrid’s southern suburbs. In addition to the refueling system, the aircraft will be outfitted to accept a medical evacuation kit.

 


The first of the three aircraft will be handed over shortly in a transport configuration. It returned to Spain in late October after being painted in Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish air force) colors at Châteauroux in France. It is due to be converted to full MRTT standard in 2024. In the meantime, the second aircraft is scheduled for delivery as an MRTT in 2023, with the third due for handover in 2025.

 


Spain has become the ninth customer for the A330MRTT, joining Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, UAE, UK, and NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet. The global fleet of 51 MRTTs has now flown more than 250,000 hours.

 


In EdA service, the fully-converted A330MRTT will be designated as the TK.24 and will serve with 452 Escuadrón of Grupo 45 at Torrejón,&nbsp;east of Madrid. As well as accommodating 245,000 pounds of fuel, the MRTT can be configured to carry up to 300 passengers, 45 tonnes of cargo, or a combination of both. Grupo 45 currently parents 451 Escuadrón, which&nbsp;flies the Dassault Falcon 900 (T.18) and Airbus A310 (T.22) on VIP transport duties. The group previously flew four Boeing 707s, including two TK.17 tanker transports. The last 707 was retired in September 2016.

 


Separately, the Spanish government submitted a formal request for information earlier this month regarding the acquisition of 50 Lockheed Martin F-35s, split equally between the F-35A to replace some of the EdA’s EF-18 Hornet fleet&nbsp;and the STOVL F-35B to replace the Spanish navy’s EAV-8B Matadors (Harrier IIs).

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Spain Signs for A330MRTT Conversions

The Spanish air force has acquired three Airbus A330s from Iberia and has now formally ordered their conversion to the MRTT tanker-transport standard.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

These airliner business jets might be more affordable than you think compared to purpose-built private aircraft.

Does a Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet Fit Your Travel Needs?

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Long-serving executive retains his position as CEO of Dassault Aviation 

Éric Trappier Takes the Reins as Head of Dassault Group

Exhibitor list and conference agenda will be unveiled soon

EBACE Organizers Promise New Look for European Show

Kerry Lynch

Globally, operations were flat for 2024, Jefferies reports

Bizjet Departures Tick Up in Dec., Remain Even for Year

Matt Thurber

Company's backlog is 79 Falcons, and 2024 orders reached 26

Dassault Delivers 5 More Falcon Business Jets in 2024

Curt Epstein

The OEM saw a 15-unit increase from 2023

Embraer Executive Jets Finishes Off 2024 Strong

AmyWilder

Aircraft ready for immediate operations in U.S.

Dassault Falcon 6X Delivered in U.S. with Nimbl Support

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

More In Aircraft