Airbus Military has delivered the first of three new generation A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport aircraft ordered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The handover of the world´s most advanced air-to-air tanker means that the type has now been delivered to all four current customers – Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the United Kingdom.

Converted from an Airbus A330 commercial passenger jet by Airbus Military at Getafe near Madrid, the aircraft will  serve with the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The remaining two aircraft are at an advanced stage of conversion and will be delivered by mid-2013.

Airbus Military Vice President Derivative Programmes, Antonio Caramazana said: “It is a great pleasure to see  the A330 MRTT now flying in the UAE Air Force and Air Defence colours. We are confident that it will greatly enhance the capability of the UAE Air Force and contribute to the stability of the Gulf region.”

In UAE service the A330 MRTT is equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-bywire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and has 256 passenger seats.

The aircraft is capable of conducting refuelling operations with UAE Air Force and Air Defence fighters such as the Mirage 2000 and F-16.

Airbus Military press release