More A330 Tanker Sales in the Pipeline: Airbus Eyes Global Expansion for MRTT Fleet
Paris, November 20 - In a boost for aerial refueling capabilities worldwide, Airbus Defence and Space has signaled robust demand for its versatile A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transport, with executives confirming additional sales prospects amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Speaking at the Dubai Air Show on November 18, 2025, Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power, highlighted the program's maturity, noting that the A330 MRTT has amassed over 340,000 flight hours across nine operators. With 85 orders secured and 65 delivered to date, including recent commitments from NATO and the Royal Thai Air Force, Airbus anticipates a surge in A330 tanker acquisitions, driven by nations seeking enhanced strategic airlift and refueling assets. The A330 MRTT's dominance in the non-U.S. market, capturing 90% share, underscores its appeal as a cost-effective, multi-mission platform blending commercial efficiency with military prowess.
The latest milestone came in September 2025, when the Royal Thai Air Force became the launch customer for the advanced A330 MRTT+, an evolution based on the fuel-efficient A330-800neo airliner. Equipped with dual refueling systems, hose-and-drogue and boom, this next-generation variant promises up to 8% lower fuel burn thanks to Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic enhancements. Delivery to Bangkok is slated for 2029, marking a pivotal shift from the legacy A330-200 to the neo platform, which addresses production constraints as older models phase out. Airbus program director María Ángeles Martí emphasized that customer signals are strong enough to justify doubling annual output from the current four units, potentially ramping up to eight A330 MRTTs per year to meet pipeline demands.
NATO's Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) further exemplifies the momentum, with a June 2025 order for two additional aircraft, elevating the total to 12 units, deliveries planned for 2028 and 2029. This expansion welcomes Denmark and Sweden into the fold, fortifying European air mobility and interoperability among allies like the UK, Germany, and Belgium. The A330 MRTT's proven features, including automatic boom refueling (A3R) certified for daytime operations and soon nighttime trials with partners like Singapore, position it as indispensable for extended missions, from air policing to humanitarian aid. Operators such as Australia, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, and the UAE already leverage its 111-tonne fuel capacity for seamless integration with fighter jets and transport fleets.
Looking ahead, Airbus's A330 tanker pipeline reflects a strategic pivot toward sustainable, adaptable defense solutions in an era of contested airspace. As global militaries prioritize rapid deployment and endurance, the MRTT+ variant's innovations could unlock further deals, including potential airborne early warning integrations. With defense revenues up 11% in early 2025, Airbus is poised to capitalize on this trajectory, ensuring the A330 MRTT remains a cornerstone of modern aerial refueling strategies for years to come.