Metrea acquires ex-French Air & Space Force refuelling fleet
Metrea has obtained the entirety of the French Air and Space Force’s (FASF) KC-135 aerial refuelling fleet, giving the US aerospace company the world’s largest commercial aerial refuelling capability. The transfer was made possible as the FASF transitions to A330-based tankers.
The acquisition of FASF’s 14-strong fleet will be completed via two stages: an initial transfer of 11 KC-/C-135FRs completed in June 24 to be augmented at a later date by the delivery of three KC-135RDs. These refuelling aircraft will join Metrea’s four existing KC-135Rs, previously purchased from the Singapore government.
Metrea is the only company to own and operate a fleet of KC-135s, offering an air-to-air refuelling service that “seamlessly, safely, and professionally integrates into military aviation training and operations”. Through this acquisition, Metra now owns a larger tanker fleet than all but four sovereign countries.
“At Metrea, we are pleased to continue the employment of these KC-135s which served the French armed forces for over 60 years,” said Jon Homas, head of Metrea’s Air and Space Group. “As the only provider od KC-135 commercial refuelling, we ensure that US, allied and partners forces can train as they are very likely to operate in a contingency – refuelling behind KC-135 tankers”.
Homas concluded that the KC-135 aerial refuelling platform remains “far and away the most prevalent AAR tanker in service today and for the foreseeable future”. In 2023, Metrea concluded a number of notable milestones with its commercial fleet: including the first-ever commercial aerial boom refuelling, the first commercial aerial refuelling of a US Air Force aircraft, and the inaugural commercial aerial refuelling of a USAF fighter aircraft.
