Expansion in Chateauroux
Vallair announced plans to build a new widebody hangar last year and it opened the facility in the first quarter of 2022. The company already operated an existing narrowbody MRO and painting hangar at the site in central France. The construction of the hangar adds further capacity to its existing site, which operates alongside locations in Montpellier and Luxembourg.
Widebody Hangar Capacity
The new widebody hangar, which has capacity for an Airbus A380 with space totaling 92,000 ft.2, can accommodate two A330 aircraft or one A330 and up to three A321s at any one time. Here, Vallair will further grow its passenger-to-freighter offerings.
Widebody Base Maintenance
On the MRO side, Vallair will initially focus on Airbus A330 maintenance at the new hangar.
Future Capability Additions
In future, there is a possibility it will look to A340, A350 and potentially Boeing 777 capability additions.
Temporary PTF Conversion Work
Vallair recently demonstrated its temporary PTF capability on an A330 formerly operated by Philippine Airlines. The process takes around one month to complete and Vallair believes this will help alleviate demand issues for full PTF conversions, which have a backlog of around five years.
Certification Expected Soon
Vallair expects EASA approval for the temporary PTF services via supplemental type certificate within the next two months.
Job Creation In Chateauroux
In total, Vallair estimates that the new hangar will create around 200 jobs in the region over the coming years. This number will be divided between Vallair employees and subcontractors.
Behind the scenes at Vallair's recently opened facility in Central France, where it will carry out widebody MRO services.
