The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has placed a firm order for the advanced Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+), making it a launch customer for the new A330neo-based tanker. This next-generation platform, unveiled at the
2024 Farnborough Airshow in the UK, features numerous upgrades over the combat-proven A330 MRTT.
Key technical enhancements include the adoption of
Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips from the A330-800 commercial airliner, resulting in a crucial 8% reduction in fuel burn and noise.
Furthermore, the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) has been increased from 233 tonnes to 242 tonnes, extending its range and fuel offload capability for enhanced operational flexibility. The RTAF's single aircraft will be configured with a comprehensive refuelling suite, incorporating both the hose-and-drogue system and a boom, alongside an Airbus Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit and a VVIP cabin setup.
The aircraft is scheduled to commence its military conversion process at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with the final delivery to the customer planned for 2029. This strategic acquisition is being coupled with a significant expansion of industrial cooperation, as Airbus and
Thai Aviation Industries (TAI) have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish in-country maintenance support for the A330 MRTT+, aligning with the Kingdom’s “Make in Thailand” policy and ensuring a common training process and robust support given the 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet.