VALLAIR launches first freighter conversion

French-based Vallair has unveiled the first-ever temporary Airbus A330-300 E Class wide-bodied freighter conversion solution at its new hangar in Châteauroux, France. Designed to bridge the gap while the operators wait for five years or more for full freighter conversion slots, this temporary solution is the result of a joint venture between the French companies, Vallair and UUDS Group, which is Part 21 certified. Vallair’s E Class solution uses a conveyor that fits inside the cargo hold to efficiently load and distribute individual parcels, rather than using pallets or containers to load. The design may enable fast loading and reduce turnaround time (TAT) in a bid to suit the needs of the e-commerce market. The new hangar can accommodate one or two Airbus A330s and up to three Airbus A321s at a given time, which means that Vallair can perform wide and narrow-body maintenance.