LONDON – AirTanker has been awarded a Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Support Services contract by Airbus Defense & Space.
10 years on since the MRTT fleet was initiated, it was comprised of six NATO nations who have agreed to cooperate in a multinational program to pool and share tanker and transport capability in Europe.
This contract may not come as a surprise given their enhanced need in the wake of the Ukraine Crisis and countries in the West looking to protect their borders from Russia.
Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide follow-on Support Services to the MMF until the end of 2032.
Working in collaboration, they have secured a contract agreement for the work share of three support services, including engine support, pod support, and maintenance.
Executive Comments…
Stephan Miegel, Head of Military Air Systems Services, Airbus, said: “The most advanced tanker aircraft proven in operation requires the best crew to support it.”
“Following the signature between Airbus and NSPA for the Follow On Support contract of the MRTT Multinational Fleet (MMF), we rely on AirTanker to support the fleet as an experienced and proven organization.”
Alex Zino, EVP of Business Development and Future Programmes, Rolls-Royce Defence, said: “This contract is a demonstration of Rolls-Royce’s role in supporting Airbus Defence and Space, AirTanker and their partners in establishing a long-term support solution for the Trent 700 engines powering the A330 MRTT Fleet for the NATO nations.”
“It is a great example of collaboration, and Rolls-Royce is delighted to celebrate the deployment of its MissionCare®service, the flagship service solution designed for MRTT operators globally.”
Phill Blundell, CEO of, AirTanker, said: “This contract demonstrates our extraordinary capability as a leading provider of global MRTT support services. The agility of our operations and service provision is highlighted by the knowledge and expertise of our workforce.”
“We are delighted to work in collaboration and partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, Rolls-Royce, and future partners, enabling the development of future unique capabilities.”
Is This Contract Even Surprising?
After much research, this contract isn’t at all that surprising, given the ownership structure of AirTanker itself.
Airbus owns a 40% stake in the company, with Rolls Royce owning 20%, with Cobham Plc, Babcock International, and Thales Group all owning a 13.33% stake each, respectively too.
With the high sphere of influence that Airbus & Rolls-Royce have with AirTanker, it’s good news in the fact that such an ownership scheme has bought contracts like this for further revenue streams.
This deal will no doubt elevate AirTanker further into the military and defense space scene, especially with their experience in the MRTT space already.
Even so, this is a major contract to be signed and will no doubt continue to be in place as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues, where such assets are going to be vital.
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