“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 a PAX configuration, or transformed into a freighter with a large cargo door in future. The company believes that the industry will view this as a sustainable option that will keep their aircraft assets flying for longer. This method expedites the process and reduces turnaround times considerably, according to Vallair. The E Class conversion means that loading is not done on pallets or containers, instead using a conveyor that fits inside the cargo hold to load and distribute individual parcels. Turnaround time will be just around one month instead of six – so the benefits are clear to see.” Grégoire Lebigot, founder, president & CEO of Vallair, explains the conversion, “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.

EASA approval using a Supplemental Type Certificate is expected within the next two months. The conversion method, which will be undertaken at Vallair’s new hangar in Châteauroux, France, is the result of a joint investment between Vallair and UUDS, a Part 21 certified cabin modification specialist in France.

Free trim enabler