Vallair has unveiled the first E Class widebody freighter conversion capability at its hangar in Châteauroux, France.
Designed to bridge the gap while operators currently wait ”five years or more for full freighter conversion slots,” mature asset specialist Vallair said that this solution is the result of a joint investment between France-based companies Vallair and UUDS, which is Part 21 certified.
Grégoire Lebigot, founder, fresident & CEO of Vallair, explained the importance of the programme and what it means for operators, particularly those involved with e-commerce: “Turning the Airbus A330-300 upper deck into a cargo area without installing the large cargo door means that the conversion cost will be just a quarter of the cost compared to a conversion with one.
“Turnaround time will be just around one month instead of six – so the benefits are clear to see. Also, it is the very first ‘made in France’ cargo conversion programme for a widebody aircraft, and Vallair is proud to spearhead this efficient, industry-leading process as part of its re-industrialisation of aviation in the region.”
Vallair’s E Class solution means that loading is not done on pallets or containers but uses a conveyor that fits inside the cargo hold to load and distribute individual parcels instead. This proven concept expedites the process and reduces turnaround times considerably.
“This solution addresses current market needs and increases the value of the asset because it is completely reversible should the market change” added Lebigot.
“The aircraft can easily be converted back to PAX configuration or transformed into a freighter with a large cargo door in future. It is a complementary alternative solution to the traditional freighter conversion, not a replacement.”
Vallair believes that the industry will view this as a sustainable option that will keep the assets flying for longer. EASA approval using a Supplemental Type Certificate is expected within the next two months.
Gilles Negre, founder & CEO of UUDS explained the importance of reversible design: “Flexibility in aircraft cabin and cargo configuration has always been key factor for successful aviation operations and revenue optimisation.
“Our quick change and reversible solution brings this versatility to operators and gives them additional revenue generating options. It also offers lessors alternative solutions to boost their aircraft utilisation and life expectancy. Return-on-investment is improved and asset value is increased.”
Vallair’s new hangar in Châteauroux is an important catalyst for the Airbus A330-300 E Class conversion.
The hangar itself can accommodate two Airbus A330 aircraft, or one Airbus A330 and up to three Airbus A321s at any one time, which means that Vallair now has the ability to perform both wide and narrowbody maintenance and offer a ‘Swiss-knife’ approach with tailored solutions using all of its capabilities on site.
This includes maintenance, paint, engine shop, aerostructure repairs, conversion, teardown and component support.
Airbus A330 cargo conversions are extremely popular as airlines are using the aircraft to expand into new markets and fly longer routes, it delivers best-in-class capability and greater fuel efficiency.
The first two Deucalion Aviation-managed Airbus A330-300 aircraft are already in Châteauroux and scheduled to undertake the E Class conversion at Vallair which will offer around 60 tonnes of payload and a range of approximately 4,200nm.
Jonathan Skirrow – Deucalion Aviation Limited co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer said: “We are excited to work with both Vallair and UUDS, known for their engineering excellence, on this innovative and cost-effective project.
“The widebody freighter market outlook offers opportunities for proven platforms such as mid-life Airbus A330 aircraft to continue operations for many years to come.”
France-based Regio Lease is the associated CAMO partner, while Deucalion Aviation is the asset manager of the first two aircraft to be converted into E-class configuration.
Concluded Lebigot: “Alongside our partners, UUDS, Deucalion Aviation Limited and Regio Lease, we’re now on our way to creating an Airbus A330 centre of excellence in the heart of France.”
Vallair is an aviation company with facilities in Luxembourg, Chateauroux and Montpellier in France. It provides integrated support for mature aircraft, engines and major components.
UUDS was founded in 1981. It offers cabin and cargo solutions for commercial and private aviation, from design and certification (EASA DOA) to manufacturing (POA), and maintenance (MOA). The UUDS Group has facilities in France, Morocco, Dubai, India, China, and Mexico, and holds certifications appropriate to each market.
Deucalion Aviation is a global provider of aircraft asset management, financing, and investment services with a proven track record and deep technical expertise.
This is combined with a range of structured equity solutions, offered by its owner SVPGlobal.
Regio Lease is a French aeronautical consultancy company established in 2003 and approved by EASA (PART CAMO & PART 145). It provides airworthiness management support, airworthiness certificate reviews (ARC) for the import/export into EASA and performs aircraft reviews for delivery and re-delivery for customers worldwide.
