Canada to join the list of A330 MRTT operators

Under the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project, the Government of Canada purchased two A330-200s for conversion to the Airbus MRTT version.

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The Canadian government awarded a competitive contract, valued at $102 million (excluding taxes) to International AirFinance Corporation, for the procurement and preparation of two used Airbus A330-200s.

Canada is acquiring a new fleet of aircraft to replace the CC-150 Polaris. Known as the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC), this new fleet will conduct multiple tasks, such as in-flight refuelling of other aircraft, military personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, and strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

This new aircraft will improve the flexibility, responsiveness, interoperability with allied nations, communications security, and self-protection of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s current fleet.

See also: The first KC-30 (A330-200 MRTT) for the Brazilian Air Force completes paint job in Ireland

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The project will acquire an in-service support solution for the aircraft, as well as infrastructure to house and maintain the fleet at the main operating base. Additionally, the project will provide a training and simulation capability to prepare and maintain crew readiness.

A330 MRTT for Canada

The Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) is based on the A330-200. Between the different models of the A330 family, more than 1,500 units have been sold to customers worldwide. And for the MRTT variant, Airbus has 68 firm orders for 14 Air Forces, of which it has already delivered 50 units.

In the Royal Canadian Air Force, the A330 MRTT will replace the five CC-150 Polaris, which are a militarized version of the A310-300. Two of the Polaris perform in-flight refueling missions, two strategic airlift missions and one VIP mission.

Boeing had also entered the competition with its KC-46A Pegasus, but then decided to withdraw, leaving the Airbus product as the only possible candidate.