Issue 70 – March 4, 2010

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

•	The U.K.'s second A330 strategic tanker aircraft achieves a new preparation milestone
•	Hong Kong Airlines will order six A330-200 jetliners

The U.K.'s second A330 strategic tanker aircraft achieves a new preparation milestone

The no. 2 A330 Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the U.K. Royal Air Force has marked a new preparation milestone with the finalization of structural modifications in its conversion to a multi-role tanker transport (MRTT).  With this step now accomplished, the A330 FSTA is once again on its landing gear and ready for the remaining completion tasks.

Changes to bring the aircraft to its full A330 FSTA configuration included the installation of fuel system plumbing and electrical wiring for the aircraft’s three-point refueling system, which will consist of two hose and drogue refueling pods located under the wings, plus an under-fuselage centerline hose and drogue refueling unit.  The centerline unit gives the A330 FSTA air-to-air transfer capability for the largest receiver aircraft capable of being refueled by hose-and-drogue.

The A330 FSTA is a member of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft family – which also has been sold to Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and is similar in configuration to the KC-45 Tanker proposed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet modernization. 

Finalization of structural modifications for the U.K.’s no. 2 A330 was completed weeks ahead of schedule, underscoring the maturity of EADS’ A330 MRTT program.  The first flight of an A330 FSTA in its full military configuration is planned for the second half of this year.

To date, 28 A330 MRTT family aircraft have been ordered, with 14 being acquired for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, five by Australia, six for Saudi Arabia, and three for the United Arab Emirates.  A330 MRTT deliveries will begin later this year, with the Royal Australian Air Force receiving the initial aircraft.

Hong Kong Airlines will order six A330-200 jetliners

Hong Kong Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire six A330-200 jetliners – on which the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport family and Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker are based.

This latest commitment will increase the number of A330s acquired by the airline to 23, and provides the range and passenger capability for Hong Kong Airlines to develop new services to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and Europe.

To date, more than 1,050 orders have been booked for the A330 in its various civil and military versions. Total deliveries have surpassed the 660 mark, placing these aircraft with over 70 airlines and operators worldwide.

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