Airbus Defence and Space will open an A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) conversion centre at its San Pablo plant in Seville, Spain, by the end of 2027 to meet the increase in global demand for tanker aircraft.
This new centre, alongside Airbus’ existing facility at its Getafe site in Madrid, will enable the annual conversion of civil aircraft to military versions to increase from five to seven. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) work will also be carried out in the new centre in Seville, as well as the upgrading of A330 MRTTs already in service.
The choice of Seville is a strategic decision as it meets all the critical requirements for the military conversion of aircraft as complex as the A330. Seville combines advanced technical knowledge with world-class infrastructure—thanks to the A400M and C295 Final Assembly Lines—, an industrial ecosystem that is the result of years of experience and key logistical and operational proximity to Getafe.
As part of the project, the existing infrastructure at San Pablo will be modernised to maximise its operational capacity and equip it with the necessary technology for the conversion processes. Airbus will make an investment that includes upgrading the industrial assets in the hangars, the implementation of advanced processes and an ambitious training programme for the highly qualified local workforce.
The Airbus plant in Getafe, for its part, will act as strategic coordinator, enabling both centres to work in a complementary manner to satisfy the high market demand for A330 MRTTs resulting from the increase in global defence investment.
