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Issue 41 - March 27, 2008

In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:

•	EADS tankers to serve the U.K.’s Royal Air Force in aerial refueling and transport missions
•	New York-based CIT Aerospace orders five more A330-200s

EADS tankers to serve the U.K.’s Royal Air Force in aerial refueling and transport missions

The United Kingdom today finalized its agreement for EADS’ A330-200 multi-role tanker/transports, signing a 27-year contract to deploy a modern fleet based on the same aircraft chosen by the U.S. Air Force for its KC-45A.

Under terms of this agreement, the Royal Air Force will be provided the services of 14 A330-200 Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) from AirTanker, the EADS-led industrial consortium, which are to be based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England.

The Royal Air Force’s A330-200 uses the same modern airframe as Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker selected by the U.S. Air Force, as well as by Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their next-generation aerial refueling and military airlift needs.

Entering service beginning in 2011, the Royal Air Force A330-200s will provide a quantum leap in reliability, performance and economy, supplying approximately twice the refueling capability of its current VC-10 and Tristar aerial tankers. 

As with the U.S. Air Force’s KC-45A, the fuel load for flight and aerial refueling operations will be carried in the A330-200’s normal fuel tanks, leaving the cabin free for transporting up to 290 passengers.  The aircraft’s under-floor cargo holds will accommodate equipment and supplies up to a maximum total payload of 44 metric tons. 

With no reconfiguration required (other than for specialist medical evacuations), the Royal Air Force A330-200 tankers can be assigned quickly to a wider range of missions than the existing fleet, significantly enhancing fleet productivity.

New York-based CIT Aerospace orders five more A330-200s

Two new contracts have further expanded the order book for A330-200s jetliners, bringing total acquisitions for the aircraft on which Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker is based to over 900 aircraft.

CIT Aerospace, a business unit of the New York-based CIT Group Inc. global commercial finance company, signed a firm contract for five more A330-200s.  With this order, the total number of A330s acquired by CIT has increased to 30, making this U.S. leasing company a key client for the twin-engine aircraft.

Separately, the AirAsia Group’s new long-haul low cost-carrier, AirAsia X, placed a firm contract for 10 additional A330-300s, which takes the airline’s total order to 25 A330s.

More than 520 A330s currently are in service with operators around the world.  Delivery rates for the A330 and its four-engine A340 derivative will reach eight aircraft per month in 2008, with the output ramping up to 10 aircraft per month in 2010.

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com