The Saudi Ministry of Defence and Aviation (MODA) has ordered three additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the Royal Saudi Air Force, bringing its total order to six aircraft. Saudi had signed a first contract for three back in 2008. Deliver of the first aircraft is due in 2011

The six aircraft will be configured with hose and drogue under-wing pods and the Airbus Military Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS). The contract includes an in-service support package.

Saudi Arabia’s decision consolidates the A330 MRTT position as the benchmark in the multi role tanker transport aircraft market. Airbus Military is responsible for the design and production of the MRTTs, and hereby positioned as a key worldwide supplier in the field of tanking, mission and transport aircraft.

“We are grateful to the Royal Saudi Air Force for their renewed confidence in our products. The repeated selection from such a demanding customer confirms the superiority of Airbus Military in providing the best air-to-air refuelling solutions”, said Domingo Ureña, CEO of Airbus Military. “Airbus Military is definitively well ahead and leading with a really outstanding product that is already in production”, Mr Ureña added.

Source: EADS