28 July 2021
Vallair augments MRO capability with the introduction of in-house NDT
Montpellier, 28th July 2021 – Vallair, the mature aircraft asset MRO dedicated to the support of both operators and lessors, has augmented its MRO capability with the introduction of in-house NDT (Non-Destructive Testing). The capability will not only be available at Vallair’s specialist MRO facility in Montpellier and the Aerostructure repair shop in Châteauroux, but also away from these locations worldwide, with both Form 1 and 8130 release available.
NDT techniques are necessary to determine whether an aircraft is airworthy. It is a broad category of inspection techniques, and is an important tool in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). NDT includes the inspection of an airframe structure and engine for surface and sub-surface cracks, impact damage, corrosion, and other irregularities. These inspections must be done without having to dismantle components therefore minimising downtime.
“Safety is the single most critical aspect of aviation. NDT is used throughout a product’s lifecycle – from the qualification of new materials and the design of new aircraft to in-service inspections of aircraft structures and engines,” comments Malcolm Chandler, Head of Commercial & Marketing for Vallair.
“The introduction of NDT in Montpellier is testament to our dedication to customer service. Currently we offer comprehensive repair capability, aircraft reconfiguration, painting & cabin refurbishment, as well as parking & storage. Previously, NDT was something that would be outsourced to third parties but had become difficult due to the restrictions surrounding COVID. The addition of NDT will allow Vallair to not only expand our capabilities but also enable us to be more flexible and better serve our customers by reducing turn-around-times.”
Vallair’s NDT capability will comprise eddy current inspections, ultrasonics inspections as well as penetrant testing and will be overseen by Renaud Chastel, NDT manager for Vallair. Renaud recently joined Vallair to head up the programme and has accrued more than 10 years’ NDT experience in companies all around the world including ATR, Airbus and most recently G2 Metric.
“Building the NDT department is a great challenge for me, and it will enable Vallair to be more efficient and responsive to the requirements of its customers,” comments Chastel. “NDT is a guarantee of quality and safety, so it is reassuring for the customer to know that Vallair is able to offer the complete scope of the treatment for any damage assessment or structural diagnosis. Thanks to the excellent work of our Quality department, we received a D1 Rating in our MOE for NDT at the end of June enabling us to perform varied inspections. The MRO world is evolving and new challenges await us all. Vallair is well prepared to meet the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Vallair is a Franco-Luxembourgish aviation company. It provides integrated support for mature aircraft, engines and major components. Seven complementary business units are founded upon engineering excellence: trading & leasing, cargo conversions, aircraft MRO, engines, aerostructures & painting, material management and aircraft disassembly. These offer aircraft operators and owners worldwide cost-effective solutions to extend the life of their assets or dispose of them in an economically beneficial and environmentally acceptable way. Vallair is a leading player in the trading and leasing of A320 family, ATR and B737 aircraft. To learn more visit www.vallair.aero
VALLAIR
EBBC Bloc B, 6 rue de Treves; L-2633 Senningerberg G/D of Luxembourg +(352) 2610 3967
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