Vallair introduces comprehensive widebody maintenance capabilities to new Châteauroux hangar from 2022

Vallair, the multi-faceted aviation business dedicated to the support of both aircraft operators and lessors, will be extending its full maintenance capabilities with the addition of a state-of-the- art hangar at Marcel Dassault Airport in Châteauroux, France. Available from Q1 2022, the facility will be dedicated to the support of widebody Airbus and Boeing aircraft and accommodate up to five A321 size aircraft simultaneously, or a combination of A330/A340 and A321s.

This unique, A380 capable, 8,500m2 facility has already begun to positively impact on employment with the creation of nearly 200 jobs over the coming years which will be divided between Vallair employees and subcontractors. “This is a natural expansion for us, “says Malcolm Chandler, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Vallair. “Our initial focus will be the Airbus A330 maintenance capabilities with a view to adding A340/A350, and possibly B777, at a later stage. Vallair will then be able to offer the full range of maintenance capabilities including NDT, lease transitions, LOPA change and cabin refurbishment, which will be offered alongside our current aerostructure services. Our existing fan cowls, thrust reversers and flying control surfaces enabling our customers to benefit from cost effective solutions with quick turn-around-times.”

Vallair’s existing MRO facility located in Montpellier, France, already supports operators and lessors providing maintenance, modifications, reconfigurations, and painting for narrowbody aircraft as well as parking and storage.
“With such a comprehensive background in MRO, we definitely welcome the opportunity of being able to extend our capabilities into the widebody market,” continues Chandler.

The new Châteauroux facility will initially service Airbus aircraft but is large and flexible enough to accommodate other widebodies (Including the A350 and A380) which will enable us to extend our parking and storage services to the widebody market as well. There is a rich aviation heritage within the Centre Val de Loire region in the heart of France, and we have assembled an experienced team able to make the most of the exceptional expertise available. This is a new chapter for Vallair and we look forward to the future for Châteauroux.”