A330NEO APPROVAL EXPANDS WIDEBODY CAPABILITIES

Vallair has obtained regulatory approval to carry out base maintenance on the Airbus A330neo at its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Châteauroux, France. The approval enables the company to provide maintenance services for both the A330-800 and A330-900 variants and marks a significant expansion of its widebody support capabilities.

The company said the approval positions Vallair to support the growing global fleet of Airbus A330neo aircraft as airlines continue to adopt the type for long-haul and regional operations.

SUPPORTING GROWING MAINTENANCE DEMAND

According to Vallair, increasing adoption of the A330neo is driving demand for qualified maintenance providers capable of supporting the aircraft’s operational lifecycle. The new approval allows the company to undertake scheduled heavy maintenance checks, structural inspections, aircraft modifications and related technical services.

Grégoire Lebigot, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vallair Group, said the approval reflects ongoing investment in technical expertise, training and infrastructure. He noted that the addition of A330neo capability expands the company’s service offering and strengthens its position as a maintenance provider for modern widebody fleets.

CHÂTEAUROUX FACILITY CAPACITY

Vallair’s Châteauroux facility covers approximately 8,500 square metres and is dedicated to Airbus aircraft support activities. The hangar can accommodate up to five A321-sized aircraft or a combination of Airbus A330 and A321 aircraft.

The site provides a range of services including non-destructive testing (NDT), lease transition support, layout of passenger accommodation (LOPA) modifications, cabin refurbishment, aerostructure services, engine repair and teardown, logistics support, aircraft parking and storage.

FOCUS ON SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Lebigot said the expansion of widebody maintenance activities will also support workforce development initiatives within the region. Vallair currently delivers structured on-the-job training programmes for Airbus A320 technicians through Aircraft Academy, a Vallair Group company, and plans to extend this training capability to the A330neo platform.

The company said developing future maintenance personnel is an important part of securing a long-term pipeline of skilled aircraft maintenance engineers as demand for MRO services continues to grow.

Vallair operates MRO facilities in both Châteauroux and Montpellier and provides aircraft, engine and component lifecycle support services to operators and asset owners worldwide.