Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence

Saudi Arabia orders four A330 MRTTs

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF).

Image © Airbus Defence and Space

The first of these aircraft will enter into conversion at the beginning of 2026, entering into service and joining the RSAF in 2027 to carry out air-to-air refuelling and transport missions.

"This new order demonstrates the high level of customer satisfaction with the A330 MRTT”, said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. "This is the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, making the RSAF one of the largest MRTT operators in the world".

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The contract also includes a logistics support package with spare parts, training services and service support for the new four aircraft.

All the RSAF A330 MRTT are configured with hose and drogue pods, boom system and also refuelling receptacle, which allows the A330 MRTT to be refuelled from boom-equipped tankers.

Industrial cooperation
As part of this contract, Airbus signed in January 2024 an Industrial Participation (IP) agreement with GAMI (General Authority for Military Industries) for the development and growth of the industrial ecosystem in the region in support of Vision 2030, a Saudi-government programme that aims to diversify the country’s economy.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

This agreement also includes the transfer of technology and knowhow of the RSAF A330 MRTT to local companies. SAAMS, the joint venture created between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military industries) and Airbus, will be the main vehicle for industrial localisation.

The A330 MRTT has 82 orders from 15 countries in Europe, Asia, America and Oceania.

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport sees busiest ever June

8 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has had its busiest June ever, with a record 1,360,957 passengers travelling through the airport last month.

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

Aerospace Events

Advanced Engineering 2025 extends additives and composites spotlight

7 July 2025

Taking place on 29th and 30th October 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, Advanced Engineering will have a new expanded Composites Pavilion, SME Village, the ADS Pavilion, AM2 Forum (Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Forum) and a focused Electronics Zone.

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

Aerospace

CAA appoints experts to strengthen economic regs and growth

7 July 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has appointed a team of specialists at the forefront of economics and competition policy to provide strategic advice to the aviation regulator on economic regulation and the challenges and opportunities in enabling the aviation sector to transform and grow.

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

Aerospace

Skyports and Ajman Transport to advance AAM in Ajman

7 July 2025

Ajman Transport Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports Infrastructure, with the aim of exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM) for smart aerial transport, including air taxi services, in the Emirate.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT
IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

Aerospace

IASL trials AGlaze Aviation Sealant

7 July 2025

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), operating as Maldivian, has become the second floatplane operator to trial the AGlaze Aviation Sealant product, with AGlaze International Ltd and Gryphon Aviation Partners (UK) Ltd reporting it is already delivering positive results.

Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport supports young care experienced adults into work

7 July 2025

Birmingham Airport has supported care experienced young adults into work, as part of a specialised Midlands-wide initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

Advertisement
ODU RT