Airbus returns from Dubai with A400M, MRTT orders

Representation of an Indonesian A400M aircraft | Art: Airbus

European defence and aerospace conglomerate Airbus went home from the Dubai Air Show 2021 with orders for two Airbus A400M aircraft from Indonesia and two A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) aircraft from the United Arab Emirates.

Shortly before the show, Airbus had also announced an order from Spain for two MRTT aircraft.

The Indonesian order, announced on the last day of the air show, is for the A400M in ‘multirole tanker and transport configuration’ and includes an intent to buy an additional four aircraft, capable of operating in austere conditions, according to a statement issued by the company.

Airbus said, “The contract, which will become effective in 2022, will bring the total number of A400M operators to ten nations. The agreement includes a complete maintenance and training support package. A Letter of Intent was also signed for the future acquisition of four additional A400M aircraft.”

The statement quoted Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, as saying, “The A400M offers outstanding capabilities to Indonesia, providing its air force with the perfect platform to deliver large and heavy loads into remote areas and multiplying its airpower projection thanks to reliable aerial refuelling capabilities.”

Pointing to the performance of the aircraft ‘in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the country in 2018’, Airbus said, “The A400M was the first large airlifter able to deliver heavy loads like fuel trucks and excavators as well as food, clothes and medical supplies using a damaged and short runway in Palu (Central Sulawesi, Indonesia).”

The company also quoted the Indonesian Minister of Defence, Prabowo Subianto, as saying, “This aircraft will play a key role in other key missions including paratrooping and heavy cargo transportation. We are also looking at additional A400M acquisition in the near term, with future A400M developments such as firefighting an important capability we are exploring jointly with Airbus.”

The United Arab Emirates placed an order for ‘two additional Airbus A330 Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft increasing the country’s MRTT fleet up to five aircraft’ according to Airbus.

“With deliveries starting in 2024, this agreement will also cover the upgrade of the country’s current A330 MRTT fleet to the latest enhanced version,” said a company statement.

And just before the show, Spain signed an order for three Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft (MRTT).

“Under the agreement, the handover of the first aircraft in transport configuration is scheduled in the coming days, followed by its conversion to MRTT in 2024. The handover of the first fully converted aircraft is scheduled in 2023 and the third and final unit in 2025,” said a statement by the company.

The aircraft have been acquired from Iberia and are to be ‘converted into military tanker transport at Airbus’ Spanish headquarters in Getafe, Spain’. According to Airbus, “It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art hose & drogue refuelling system and a specific Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit. The A330 MRTT fleet will be operated by the Spanish Air Force 45 Wing, based in Torrejón Air Base (Madrid).”

With more than 250,000 flight hours achieved, the A330 MRTT counts 51 deliveries to 13 customers.