In parallel with this delivery Vallair has also been preparing its next two aircraft scheduled for conversion
19 June 2021: Vallair recently delivered its second Airbus A321 freighter conversion MSN 891 to SmartLynx Malta on lease. The aircraft will operate on behalf of DHL. The aircraft was prepared for delivery at Vallair’s specialist MRO & Painting facility in Montpellier, France immediately following its conversion in the USA. Maintenance requirements for this aircraft were minimal; however the aircraft has been repainted in Vallair’s dedicated paint hangar in the south of France.
Patrick Leopold, Director of Trading & Leasing at Vallair said, “We are delighted to see the successful delivery of our second A321 freighter conversion. This is, of course, another significant milestone for Vallair and serves to showcase the full remit of our capabilities. From acquisition of suitable feedstock by our Cargo Conversions and Trading & Leasing teams and the support of our dedicated Aerostructure facility enabling us to repair and replace the thrust reversers, to the maintenance and painting carried out by our MRO team in Montpellier, at every stage and at every level Vallair has been able to ensure the safe and efficient redelivery of this aircraft.”
In parallel with the delivery of MSN891, Vallair has also been preparing its next two aircraft scheduled for conversion. By carrying out heavy maintenance in advance of induction at its Montpellier facility, Vallair anticipates a significant reduction in turn-around-time for the entire conversion process.
Sources have revealed that the A321 freighter variant is far better for the environment due to its circa 15 per cent reduction in fuel burn versus its most direct competitor, as well as offering exceptional range, payload, and additional cost benefits. The innovative design particularly benefits from a lower cargo hold allowing it to offer shipping of containerised cargo in addition to its normal cargo positions. From an air logistics point of view, this makes the A321F the most attractive, and cost-effective narrowbody proposition as the ability to offer containerisation of cargo reduces turn-around times and therefore increases load efficiency.
The Vallair team in Montpellier is experienced in major repairs, skin and frame changes, with larger repairs carried out at its specialist aerostructure repair facility in Châteauroux. In addition, Vallair supports lease transitions, incorporating aircraft reconfiguration, painting, and cabin refurbishment as well as aircraft parking and storage. This affords Vallair’s MRO division a great deal of flexibility in its offering as the paint facility can be used in conjunction with maintenance or modification input. Composite and sheet metal repairs on a variety of aircraft structures and components can be undertaken at Vallair’s aerostructure facility which also manages an extensive pool of rotable assets available for sale, lease, or exchange.
