Vallair completes its first A330-200 twelve-year check for a major lessor at its new wide-body maintenance facility in Chƒteauroux.ÿ

Malcolm Chandler, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Vallair, says that the experienced maintenance team is prepared for these complex and labour-intensive programmes. ?This was our first A330-200 maintenance check in Vallair?s new MRO facility at Marcel Dassault Airport in Chƒteauroux - a 6Y/12Y check with landing gear change. The aircraft had been stored in the USA prior to coming into CHR for its heavy check and transfer to the next operator. During the check our technicians discovered major corrosion on the wings which necessitated the aircraft being placed into ZERO G, a significant pylon repair was also required. The team also managed the full paint process with our partners in Chƒteauroux. These different operations, all of which dictated specific aircraft configurations, required critical work coordination and scheduling.?

?To achieve this programme so far, Vallair has made a significant investment in both technicians, project managers, and tooling to enable this impressive ramp up. Naturally there have been issues to deal with along the way, but the new team, in a new facility, has risen to the challenge.?

?It is vital to share in-depth, practical knowledge at all times, whether it be in the classroom, or on-the-job.ÿ Our relationship with Aircraft Academy means that they can integrate practical training at Vallair?s widebody maintenance facility in Chƒteauroux, and narrowbody training at our other hangar in Montpellier. Young people just starting, or older engineers focused on re-skilling are already benefitting from this valuable resource ? not only for heavy checks, but also from our cargo conversion programme for the A330s. In turn, Vallair has a steady source of well-trained aircraft engineers ? this is a cornerstone of our growth strategy for the future.?