Vallair has received its first Airbus A330neo for base maintenance at its Châteauroux facility in France, moving into operational service after securing approval for the aircraft type during the summer. The aircraft, operated by an unidentified South American airline, is undergoing a comprehensive base-maintenance visit. The customer, registration, work scope and expected completion date have not been disclosed.
The approval covers both the A330-800 and A330-900 variants, allowing Vallair to perform scheduled heavy checks, structural inspections, modifications and related technical services. It expands the company’s existing widebody maintenance capabilities and supports its plans to address demand associated with the growing global A330neo fleet.
Vallair’s 8,500-square-metre Châteauroux facility is dedicated to Airbus aircraft support and can accommodate a combination of A330 and A321 aircraft. Its services include non-destructive testing, lease transitions, cabin layout changes and refurbishment, alongside aerostructure work, engine repair and teardown, logistics, parking and storage.
The arrival of the aircraft establishes the first A330neo maintenance input at the site following regulatory approval and provides Vallair with an operational reference for further work on the type.