Second RAF Airbus A330 MRTT FSTA makes first flight

The second A330 MRTT Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the Royal Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft will join the first FSTA in a flight-test programme which will lead to first delivery to the RAF towards the end of 2011.

A330 MRTT obtains military certification

Airbus Military's A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport has obtained certification from the Spanish military certification authority.This paves the way for first delivery of the aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the coming weeks.

EADS touts advantages in KC-X battle

EADS has stated that its proposed KC-45 tanker satisfies the US Air Force's requirement to offload fuel at 1,200 gallons per minute through its boom and costs less on the basis of fuel burned per gallon of fuel delivered, compared to rival Boeing's 767 tanker.

EADS will not sell tankers below cost

European aircraft manufacturer EADS has stated it will not follow Boeing's lead and trim the cost of its A330 tanker in its bid to win the KC-X contract.

First RAF A330 MRTT rolls out

The UK Royal Air Force's first A330 multi-role tanker/transport has emerged from a modification hangar at Airbus Military's Getafe site near Madrid, Spain, ahead of flight-testing from later this month. The RAF has ordered fourteen aircraft for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft program.