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Issue 74 – May 12, 2010
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
Long-term support contract signed for Australia's A330 MRTT fleet
EADS will ensure long-term support for the Royal Australian Air Force A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) – on which the EADS North America KC-45 for the U.S. Air Force is based – through a 22-year contract signed by its Airbus Military division and Qantas Defence Services of Australia.
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In parallel, Airbus Military is preparing to deliver thousands of items of tooling and spare parts support to the Royal Australian Air Force’s 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, where the country’s five A330 MRTTs will be located.
This activity underscores EADS’ long-term commitment to support A330 MRTT customers as the new aerial refueling aircraft enters service with air forces around the world.
Under terms of the 22-year Through Life Support (TLS) contract for Australia, Airbus Military has the Design and Maintenance Support role, providing engineering, logistics, technical data, and supply and training support services to Qantas Defence Services. Airbus Military also will assign two field service representatives to 33 Squadron for three years to ensure a smooth entry into service, while Qantas Defence Services will provide some 50 engineering support personnel.
The Through Life Support agreement also provides for future contracts to ensure additional support for military aspects of Australia’s A330 MRTT fleet, consolidating and expanding Airbus Military’s presence and role in Brisbane.
As part of Australia’s A330 MRTT acquisition, Airbus Military will deliver some 4,000 spares and 500 units of ground support and test equipment to RAAF Amberley during the next three months. This will position the equipment for start-up of A330 MRTT deliveries to the RAAF, with the first two aircraft scheduled to arrive later this year.
Australia is one of four countries that have ordered a total of 28 A330 MRTTs to date. Once in service, the RAAF tanker will carry the KC-30A designation. The other A330 MRTTs have been acquired by the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates' first A330 MRTT enters the outfitting phase
The United Arab Emirates’ first A330 MRTT has entered its outfitting process, underscoring the EADS tanker program’s maturity and sustained production pace.
With this step, A330 MRTTs are now in preparation, flight test or final certification for all four international customers – which to date have ordered a total of 28 aircraft.
The United Arab Emirates will operate a fleet of three A330 MRTTs, which are to be equipped with the all-electric, fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS), and two all-digital under-wing hose & drogue refueling pods. Both aerial refueling systems are offered by EADS North America in its KC-45 tanker proposal for recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet. In addition, the KC-45 will have the fuselage refueling unit featured on MRTTs for other customer nations.
Hawaiian Airlines becomes a new U.S. operator of the A330 jetliner
Hawaiian Airlines has become a new U.S. operator of the A330 – the commercial jetliner that serves as the basis for EADS North America’s KC-45 tanker.
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The carrier received its first A330-200 in a colorful ceremony on April 28, and plans to build up a fleet of 10 A330s which will replace the airline’s current inventory of 767s.
In addition to providing better fuel efficiency, the A330's operating range will enable the Pacific-based carrier to fly nonstop between Hawaii and points in eastern Asia and all of North America.
The A330 is the best-selling aircraft in its category, with more than 1,080 firm orders from commercial, government and military customers worldwide, and over 680 in service for 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
