AirTanker Awarded Support Services Contract To Multinational MRTT Fleet ‘MMF’

AirTanker has been awarded a contract by Airbus Defence and Space to provide support services to the MMF, demonstrating its capability as a leading provider of Operational and Maintenance services to Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleets on a global scale.

The Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) was initiated in 2012 by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and comprises six NATO nations who have agreed to co-operate in a multinational program, pooling and sharing resources, to provide additional tanker and transport capability in Europe.

The MRTT fleet currently consist of nine aircraft, from which seven have been delivered. The fleet is owned by NATO, and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of the nations. The MMF, provides the six participating nations (Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Czechia) with strategic transport, air-to-air refueling capabilities, and will provide medical evacuation capabilities in the future.

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, we have secured a contract agreement for work share of three support services, including engine support, pod support and maintenance.

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."

In September, Rolls-Royce proceeded with the first of several support contracts for engine support with Airbus and Rolls-Royce and the company expects to sign additional support contacts this year.

Alex Zino, EVP 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 deployment of its MissionCare service, the flagship service solution designed for MRTT operators globally.”

Phill Blundell, CEO, AirTanker said: “This contract demonstrates our extraordinary capability as a leading provider for 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.”