 The squadron operates five Airbus KC @-@ 30A Multi Role Tanker Transports , the first of which entered service in June 2011 . Two more are due for delivery in 2018 . The aircraft are crewed by pilots , refuelling operators and flight attendants . Air @-@ to @-@ air refuelling is considered a force multiplier , permitting the RAAF to increase the range and loiter time of its aircraft . The ability to refuel in flight also enables aircraft to take off with more ordnance than they might otherwise . 
