First two A330s contracted for RCAF

Canada has contracted the first two Airbus A330 aircraft for service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) under the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) Programme.

The RCAF plans to replace the existing fleet of Airbus CC-150 Polaris (based on the Airbus A310) transports and tankers by a number of Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT).

The first two aircraft for this programme, both built in 2015, have now been contracted for USD 102 million. The total number of aircraft for the STTC is six.

These first two commercial aircraft will later be modified by Airbus Defence and Space to military specifications required to serve as multi-role aircraft within the STTC fleet, and they will play an integral role in providing air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuations, and strategic Government of Canada personnel transport, including transport of the Prime Minister, Governor General, and others, for decades to come.

These two aircraft are expected to arrive in Canada in winter 2023, where they may be placed into early service in passenger/cargo roles awaiting their modification to military specifications. The aircraft being purchased are currently configured for long-haul commercial use.

Pictures (just illustrative): Wim Sonneveld