File photo for reference only

 

Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered the Airbus A330 MRTT+, marking a significant upgrade to its military capabilities. This acquisition makes Thailand the first nation to fully integrate the latest model for comprehensive military functions, including advanced air refueling, strategic missions, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and VIP transport. The new aircraft will enable the RTAF to enhance national defense, and contribute to Thailand's strategic position in the aerospace and defense sectors.

 

The A330 MRTT+ is an evolution of the A330neo, building on the established A330 MRTT model. It features dual in-flight refueling systems—boom and hose-and-drogue—allowing compatibility with various aircraft. Further, its configuration includes MEDEVAC facilities and a VVIP cabin, enhancing operational versatility. The military adaptations will take place at Airbus's A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, with the final delivery scheduled for 2029.

 

Notable advancements in the A330 MRTT+ include new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, which promise an 8% reduction in fuel consumption and lower noise levels. The aircraft can reach a maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes, providing extended operational range. Its flexibility supports a wide array of missions, including troop transport and humanitarian assistance, making it a valuable asset for disaster relief operations.

 

Airbus highlights that the new model maintains 95% structural similarity with the previous A330 MRTT, allowing seamless integration into Thailand's existing training and maintenance frameworks. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding with Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd (TAI) will boost domestic maintenance capabilities, aligning with Thailand’s "Make in Thailand" policy, and supporting the country's self-reliance and long-term aerospace development.

 

The RTAF anticipates that the A330 MRTT+ will be central to strategic operations, augmenting national security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. It underscores Thailand's preparedness for diverse missions, ranging from defense to humanitarian efforts, enhancing its strategic footprint.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand is the first to fully utilize the Airbus A330 MRTT+ for military use.
• Delivery of the customized aircraft is planned for 2029 after adaptations in Spain.
• It aligns with Thailand's strategic goals in defense and regional readiness.

 

Related Stories:

Thai Airways Accelerates Large-Scale Airbus Fleet Expansion

Thai Airways Upgrades Fleet with Eight New Airbus A321neos

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-26

 

 

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

VIP transport.

This will be the actual purpose of this fancy jet.

10 hours ago, Fact said:

This will be the actual purpose of this fancy jet.

 

Of course, it's about other peoples money.

Be interesting to see the flight manifests after 12 months to see how the plane has been utilised I suspect 99% will be taking "vip" on jollies. What rank or civilian status classes a person as a vip?

If you look at the RTAF Fleet as listed on Wikepedia, of 21 Jet aircraft currently in service 18 are configured for VIP transport, helicopters it is 16 out of 28!

Oh oh, that again gives new problems with Donald 'the Orange' Trump.
Tariffs will rise to 100% and more.

A way to screw Trump. 

Toxic air sickens crew and passengers across airlines as Delta upgrades engines on more than 300 planes

 

Delta Airlines is replacing certain engines on more than 300 of its Airbus planes after toxic fume incidents contaminated cabin air and sickened crew members and passengers, according to reports.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/toxic-air-sickens-crew-passengers-airlines-delta-upgrades-engines-more-than-300-planes

 

Delta should have bought Boeing planes as they are better quality. And Thailand made a foolish move buying the Airbus A330 as it will also require extensive maintenance. 

 

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The RTAF anticipates that the A330 MRTT+ will be central to strategic operations, augmenting national security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

 

especially with its

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

VVIP cabin

 

18 hours ago, Fact said:

This will be the actual purpose of this fancy jet.

Actually, VVIP as stated in the report.

1 hour ago, Keep Right said:

Toxic air sickens crew and passengers across airlines as Delta upgrades engines on more than 300 planes

 

Delta Airlines is replacing certain engines on more than 300 of its Airbus planes after toxic fume incidents contaminated cabin air and sickened crew members and passengers, according to reports.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/toxic-air-sickens-crew-passengers-airlines-delta-upgrades-engines-more-than-300-planes

 

Delta should have bought Boeing planes as they are better quality. And Thailand made a foolish move buying the Airbus A330 as it will also require extensive maintenance. 

 

 

 

What a factual and informative post not written by a muppet at all!😂

Amazing, how many aircraft of civilian nature the Air Force of Thailand features; countless B737, A340 and smaller planes in all shapes, number of engines, the full range. 

Wondering what kind of enemies are being scared away with B737 - every day is school day 😉 

Midair tanking facility? Really necessary?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A330_MRTT

 

19 hours ago, Fact said:

This will be the actual purpose of this fancy jet.

My thoughts too

Several posts removed.

 

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19 hours ago, Keep Right said:

Toxic air sickens crew and passengers across airlines as Delta upgrades engines on more than 300 planes

 

Delta Airlines is replacing certain engines on more than 300 of its Airbus planes after toxic fume incidents contaminated cabin air and sickened crew members and passengers, according to reports.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/toxic-air-sickens-crew-passengers-airlines-delta-upgrades-engines-more-than-300-planes

 

Delta should have bought Boeing planes as they are better quality. And Thailand made a foolish move buying the Airbus A330 as it will also require extensive maintenance. 

 

 

The Boeing 737 family of aircraft has had the most total crashes, with 234 hull losses and 5,779 fatalities.

On 9/26/2025 at 8:31 PM, Fact said:

This will be the actual purpose of this fancy jet.

 

Please be sure there's plenty of space for personal shopping packages etc., obtained during go'vt official work trips (including spouses of course)  to be transported home to Bkk, and also ensure there's enough shopping days on the trip schedules. 

On 9/27/2025 at 1:40 PM, Keep Right said:

Toxic air sickens crew and passengers across airlines as Delta upgrades engines on more than 300 planes

 

Delta Airlines is replacing certain engines on more than 300 of its Airbus planes after toxic fume incidents contaminated cabin air and sickened crew members and passengers, according to reports.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/toxic-air-sickens-crew-passengers-airlines-delta-upgrades-engines-more-than-300-planes

 

Delta should have bought Boeing planes as they are better quality. And Thailand made a foolish move buying the Airbus A330 as it will also require extensive maintenance. 

 

 

Did you read anything beyond the headline?

 

I'm guessing not, as Airbus don't make engines, and the ones in question the auxiliary power units APUs, are made by Honeywell an American company. Further, the issues have affected both Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

On 9/27/2025 at 2:40 PM, Keep Right said:

Toxic air sickens crew and passengers across airlines as Delta upgrades engines on more than 300 planes

 

Delta Airlines is replacing certain engines on more than 300 of its Airbus planes after toxic fume incidents contaminated cabin air and sickened crew members and passengers, according to reports.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/toxic-air-sickens-crew-passengers-airlines-delta-upgrades-engines-more-than-300-planes

 

Delta should have bought Boeing planes as they are better quality. And Thailand made a foolish move buying the Airbus A330 as it will also require extensive maintenance. 

 

 

 

Based on my personal experience, Delta needs to walk away from the airline business and take the abomination of Hartsfield-Jackson with them.

Delta will not be replacing the Airbus aircraft, only the APU's manufactured by Honeywell.

Note that Boeing receives Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) from multiple manufacturers, including Honeywell for aircraft like the 737 MAX and 777.