Vallair is launch customer for 321PC’s A321-200 passenger to freighter conversion

Aviation company Vallair Solutions is the launch customer for 321 Precision Conversions’ (321PC) Airbus A321-200 passenger-to-freighter conversion, including the prototype aircraft and follow-on option aircraft.
The prototype aircraft was delivered by Vallair, a wholly owned company of Vallair Capital, to 321PC in July this year.
321PC anticipates approval of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificate (STC) for A321-200 conversions in 2019.
321PC is a new joint venture, announced in August this year, by Erickson Group’s Precision Aircraft Solutions (PAS) arm and Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) subsidiary Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM).
The conversion house expects approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to follow.
The A321 family includes over 1,400 aircraft already built and the A321NEO is now in production: “This will generate an almost unprecedented feedstock for future conversion candidates,” said 321PC in a statement.
It added: “Vallair, already engaged in the converted cargo aircraft market, is an ideal launch customer for 321PC.  They are developing a comprehensive support network for both engines and airframe components as well as MRO services to better serve the new operators of the A321-200PCF.”   
321PC president Gary Warner said: “The next generation of the Precision Converted Freighter, partnered with the operational experience of ATSG, will provide a best-in-class freighter that will meet the needs of our customers.
“We are thrilled to have Vallair front and centre as an integral part of this exciting new programme. We look forward to the market enjoying the capability, flexibility, and efficiency of the A321-200PCF for many years to come.”
Vallair chief executive Grégoire Lebigot said: “The A321PCF programme is an exciting project and we are delighted to be the launch customer for this new freighter.
“Our current activities and experiences generated by our engineers, both in Luxembourg and France, through the freighter conversion of other aircraft, offers the right environment and facilities to gradually turn into a dedicated center of competence on this type.
“We believe the A321 provides significant competitive advantage over the established market competition due to its lower fuel consumption and better noise abatement levels.  We are looking forward to building upon the success of this advanced aircraft”. 
Vallair, focused on end of service aircraft, engines and major components, offers “cost effective solutions” to extend the life of aviation assets.
Vallair’s cargo conversion business unit is a leading player in the passenger to freighter market, with existing solutions on the Boeing 737-400 and ATR72.
In May this year, Dresden-based Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) formally announced the 14 pallet configuration for its A321 passenger to freighter conversion programme.

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