Airbus A330 MRTT

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Transport Aircraft

Airbus A330 MRTT

The world’s most widely exported modern tanker

The A330 MRTT is a multi-role tanker and transport made by Airbus Defence and Space in Spain, in service since 2011. Derived from the A330-200 airliner, it carries the largest fuel load of any production tanker.

Spain|Airbus Defence and Space
870 km/hMax Speed16,100 kmRange3Crew233,000 kgMax Takeoff Weight111,000 kgPayloadIn ProductionStatus

What Is the Airbus A330 MRTT? Overview, History and Development

The A330 MRTT first flew on 15 June 2007 and entered service with Australia as the KC-30A in 2011. It can offload up to about 111,000 kg of fuel without extra tanks, and also carry about 45,000 kg of cargo or up to 300 passengers. It has an Airbus boom and wing pods, plus an optional centreline unit, and can refuel probe and boom receivers. Cruise speed is about 870 km/h, and ferry range about 16,100 km, which depends on configuration. Airbus converts and builds the aircraft at Getafe.

As of February 2026, 66 have been delivered with 91 or more on order. Operators include Australia, France, the UK (as Voyager), Spain, Germany and the Netherlands through the Multinational MRTT Fleet, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Singapore and South Korea, and Canada, Brazil, Italy and Poland have placed or announced orders. Saudi Arabia has six and the UAE six. The tanker has refuelled fighters over Iraq and Syria. Prices in recent export contracts are roughly 250–300 million dollars per aircraft.

Airbus A330 MRTT
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Airbus A330 MRTT Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament

ManufacturerAirbus Defence and Space
CountrySpain
Entered Service2011
StatusIn Production
First Flight2007
Crew3
Length58.8 m
Wingspan60.3 m
Height17.4 m
Max Takeoff Weight233,000 kg
Payload111,000 kg
Cruise Speed870 km/h
Ferry Range16,100 km
Service Ceiling12,500 m
Engine2 × RR Trent 772B / GE CF6-80E1
Thrust2 × 320 kN
Units Built66+

Airbus A330 MRTT Variants and Versions Compared

KC-30A

Australia’s version of the MRTT, the first in service, in 2011.

Voyager KC3

The British MRTT, operated under a private-finance structure with AirTanker.

A330 MRTT+

The enhanced variant with automatic air-to-air refuelling, tested with unmanned receivers in 2025.

Which Countries Use the Airbus A330 MRTT? Operators and Users

SpainAustraliaUnited KingdomFranceSaudi ArabiaSingaporeSouth KoreaUAENetherlandsGermany

Airbus A330 MRTT FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions

How much does an A330 MRTT cost?

An A330 MRTT costs roughly 250–300 million US dollars per aircraft in recent export contracts, which is an approximate figure. Final prices depend on options and support packages.

A330 MRTT vs KC-46: which is better?

The A330 MRTT carries more fuel than the KC-46, about 111,000 kg against about 96,000 kg, and has more export customers. The KC-46 is built specifically for the USAF and has a faster boom, but it has had well-publicised technical problems.

Which countries use the A330 MRTT?

The A330 MRTT is used by Australia, France, the UK, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Singapore, South Korea and the Multinational MRTT Fleet of the Netherlands, Germany and others. Canada, Brazil, Italy and Poland have ordered or announced orders.

How much fuel can an A330 MRTT carry?

An A330 MRTT can offload about 111,000 kg of fuel without extra tanks, the largest fuel load of any production tanker. It can also carry about 45,000 kg of cargo or up to 300 passengers.

How many A330 MRTTs has Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has six A330 MRTTs, with four more on order, according to 2026 data. The UAE also has six, and both are the only Arab operators.

Does Türkiye have the A330 MRTT?

Türkiye does not operate the A330 MRTT, and no order is confirmed as of 2026. It still flies about seven ageing KC-135R tankers.