Thailand orders Airbus A330 MRTT+ for refuelling and medevac

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has placed an order for an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+).

The aircraft, based on the A330neo platform, will feature both boom and hose-and-drogue refuelling systems, a medical evacuation kit, and a VVIP cabin configuration.

Airbus confirmed the aircraft will undergo military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, beginning in 2026, with final delivery scheduled for 2029.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “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.”

The MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, new aerodynamics and wing-tips, which Airbus said cut fuel burn by up to 8 percent and reduce noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes is intended to expand range and fuel offload capacity.

Airbus added that the new aircraft will retain 95 percent commonality with existing A330 MRTTs, easing training and support requirements. More than 85 aircraft have been ordered globally by 11 customers, with Airbus claiming over 90 percent of the non-U.S. market.

Alongside the order, Airbus signed an expanded memorandum of understanding with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) to provide in-country maintenance for the MRTT+, extending existing cooperation on Thailand’s C295 fleet. Dumont said: “Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, know-how, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand. 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.”

Airbus stated that the MRTT+ is expected to strengthen Thailand’s defence posture and provide additional capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.