Airbus Defence and Space has placed an order for a A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft full-flight simulator with the Spanish defense company Indra, Airbus announced Wednesday.

The contract for training crew support covers the installation at Airbus' training center in Seville, Spain, of the level D simulator, which is certified to qualify pilots on the aircraft with zero flight time in the real aircraft, Airbus said in a statement. 

The simulator will also permit the training of pilots in hose-and-drogue refueling operations and the act of receiving from other tankers.

The simulator is expected to enter service in 2018.

Airbus' investment aims to ensure that a strong training capability exists to meet the needs of the growing fleet of these aircraft.

The aircraft type has been selected by a number of nations, Airbus said, with 27 delivered to four nations out of the 49 on firm order.

The simulator will also reduce the number of aircraft flight hours required to train crews, while reducing costs and offering a more comprehensive support product, Airbus said.