Airbus plans to deliver the first modernised A330 MRTT+ tanker and transport aircraft in 2029, subject to certification. The aircraft, based on the A330-800, is currently in Toulouse awaiting its maiden flight before moving to Spain for military conversion. The schedule covers the first customer delivery and does not establish when individual operators will begin using the aircraft operationally.
Julien Puyou, Airbus executive vice-president and head of widebody aircraft programmes, confirmed the timing during an international press event attended by Spanish aviation publication Fly News. Thailand became the launch customer after ordering an A330 MRTT+ in 2025, with delivery planned for 2029.
The MRTT+ will replace the A330-200-based version in Airbus’s product line. As the company is no longer selling additional A330-200 passenger aircraft for conversion, future MRTT orders are expected to use the newer variant. The aircraft combines aerial refuelling, strategic transport and medical-evacuation capabilities.
Spain is negotiating the purchase of up to seven aircraft, although current planning points to a requirement for three additional aircraft. Reported Spanish plans include one conventional multirole tanker and transport aircraft followed by two aircraft with mixed VIP configurations. No final Spanish contract or detailed delivery schedule has been confirmed.