The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has placed an order for the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), marking a major advancement in its modernization program. Based on the A330neo platform, the MRTT+ is the latest generation of Airbus’ proven aerial refuelling and transport aircraft, designed to deliver enhanced efficiency, greater operational flexibility, and expanded mission capabilities.
The new aircraft will be equipped with both hose-and-drogue and boom refuelling systems, making it adaptable for different types of aircraft. It will also include the Airbus Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit solution and feature a VVIP cabin configuration, allowing the RTAF to meet a wide spectrum of operational needs — from combat support to humanitarian missions and official transport.
The A330 MRTT+ is scheduled to begin military conversion at Airbus’ dedicated facility in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to Thailand expected in 2029. This acquisition underlines the RTAF’s commitment to strengthening its defence posture and enhancing its ability to respond to crises, while also ensuring long-term sovereignty protection and regional security.
Launched during the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ integrates key innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner. These include Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimized aerodynamics, and redesigned wing-tips, resulting in up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise emissions. The upgraded platform also features an increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes, enabling longer range, greater fuel offload capacity, and improved mission flexibility.
Despite the technological upgrades, the A330 MRTT+ retains 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet, which ensures a smooth training pipeline for RTAF personnel and access to Airbus’ global maintenance support network. The aircraft is cleared to refuel more than 25 different aircraft types, reinforcing its role as a versatile force multiplier.
Globally, the A330 MRTT dominates the aerial refuelling market outside the United States, with more than 85 aircraft ordered by 11 customers, including Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Collectively, the fleet has logged over 340,000 flight hours, underscoring its reliability and operational success.
Alongside the new aircraft order, Airbus has expanded its partnership with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extends cooperation to include in-country maintenance support for the A330 MRTT+. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s “Make in Thailand” policy and aims to bolster local aerospace capability while supporting self-reliance in critical defence operations.
By working with TAI, Airbus plans to transfer technology, skills, and expertise to Thailand, ensuring long-term support for the RTAF’s growing fleet. The collaboration builds on existing joint efforts for the sustainment of C295 transport aircraft, further embedding Airbus within Thailand’s defence and industrial ecosystem.