The E Class conversion does not load cargo with pallets or containers but uses a conveyor that fits inside the cargo hold to load and distribute individual parcels, which Vallair says expedites the process and reduces turnaround times.
Its new hangar in Chateauroux will convert Airbus A330-300s, and the hangar can accommodate two A330s, or one A330 and up to three A321s at the same time.
The first two A330-300s managed by Deucalion Aviation are in Chateauroux ready for E Class conversion, which will give them a payload of 60 tonnes and a range of 4,200 nautical miles.
The conversion is the result of a joint investment between Vallair and UUDS, which is Part 21 certified.
Gregoire Lebigot, Founder, President and CEO of Vallair says the programme is important for e-commerce operators and turning the upper deck into a cargo area without installing the large cargo door means conversion costs are a quarter of full conversion and turnaround times are one month instead of six months.
He says, “This solution addresses current market needs and increases the value of the asset because it is completely reversible should the market change. The aircraft can easily be converted back to passenger configuration, or transformed into a freighter with a large cargo door in future. It is a complementary alternative solution to the traditional freighter conversion, not a replacement.”
Gilles Negre, Founder and CEO of UUDS, adds, “Flexibility in aircraft cabin and cargo configuration has always been a key factor for successful aviation operations and revenue optimisation. Our quick change and reversible solution brings this versatility to operators and gives them additional revenue generating options. It also offers lessors alternative solutions to boost their aircraft utilisation and life expectancy. Return-on-investment is improved and asset value is increased.”