Qantas finishes final MRTT conversion

The second RAAF KC-30, which was the first to be modified by QDS at Brisbane. (Airbus Military)

Qantas Defence Services has completed the tanker conversion on its fourth and final Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for the RAAF at its Brisbane centre.

As with the three aircraft before it, the final MRTT, designated the KC-30 in RAAF service, will now head to Spain to complete testing before being handed over to the RAAF. The first KC-30 was converted by Airbus in Spain.

“The conversion work done by Qantas Defence Services here in Brisbane over the past four years is at the cutting edge of aviation engineering,” said head of QDS Scott Harris.

“Our ability to draw on both civil and military expertise and skills was a vital asset in completing the four aircraft.”

QDS will now transition from conversion to providing through-life support to the KC-30 fleet at RAAF Base Amberley, and will maintain the Brisbane facility transition to a maintenance base to support the MRTTs, as well as other civil and military maintenance programs.