Second Airbus A330 MRTT tanker transport aircraft delivered to the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio | Photo: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space announced the delivery of the second Airbus A330 MRTT to Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (Spanish Air & Space Force) from its Getafe (Madrid) facility.
The aircraft forms part of a three-unit acquisition contract signed in November 2021, when the Spanish Ministry of Defence ordered three A330 MRTTs. The first of the fleet entered into service in April 2025 with the 45th Wing at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base.
Airbus said on Twitter, “Today, we have delivered the second Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport to the @EjercitoAire from our facilities in Getafe, Spain.”
The delivery marks a further step in Spain’s effort to field modern multi-role tanker/transport aircraft. The A330 MRTT platform supports both aerial refuelling and strategic transport roles.
According to the April 2025 Airbus release, the aircraft has a wide-body fuselage capable of carrying up to 300 passengers or a payload up to 45 tonnes, and its basic fuel load capacity is 111 tonnes.
Under the original 2021 contract, aircraft acquired from Iberia will be converted into MRTT configuration at Getafe. With this second delivery, one aircraft from the three-unit order remains pending completion of conversion and delivery.
According to Airbus Defence and Space, ‘The Airbus A330 MRTT for Air and Space is equipped with a state-of-the-art, hose-and-basket refuelling system and has an endurance of more than 18 flight hours and a range of 16,000 kilometres. The A330 MRTT can be used as a transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 300 troops or a payload of up to 45 tonnes (99,000 lb). In addition, this aircraft can be configured with a dedicated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) kit, allowing the installation of different stretcher modules and intensive-care stations.’
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