Vallair announced that François Fermaut has assumed the role of sales and business development manager for the aerostructures and engines divisions based in Châteauroux, France. Fermaut will be responsible for expanding awareness of Vallair’s expert repair capabilities with a team that has grown from two technicians to a skilled workforce of 125 in the past eight years.
Fermaut joined Vallair in 2016, just as the organization gained approval for its aerostructure component repair facility and he has overseen its transition from a solely internal service to one that now provides more than 90% of its repair capabilities to external customers – airlines, parts traders and lessors alike. The shop also broadened its scope to include A330 widebody components alongside its proven expertise with the A320 family.
“It has taken time to build from zero into a highly competitive repair shop” explains Fermaut. “This makes me very proud as I take on the challenging new role which encompasses our new engines shop. I have been in the aviation sector for more than 25 years and it is rewarding to see more and more opportunities as customers begin to recognize the cost advantages offered by Vallair’s total repair capability, aligned with AFRA accredited disassembly options all in one place.”
Fermaut goes on to say that one of the main strengths of the Vallair facility is the team’s extensive parts knowledge which enables the business to closely match the market value for repairs of specific parts. “Our aim is to work in partnership with customers to find the best economical solutions for their aircraft and engine assets. It helps that we have access to technical specialists who determine whether it is best to repair or dismantle a component.”
Vallair recently opened its engine shop offering a range of MRO services for CFM56 – 5A and -5B and V2500 series engines. Services include the disassembly and reassembly of modules; minor repairs & inspections; borescope inspections; preservation; leasing of engines, APUs and engine bays. Borescope capability will soon include Trent 700, PW 4000, CF6-80, Leap, and PW1100 engines.
“From parts distribution, to dismantling, through to materials recycling, Vallair is continuously working on new strategies for the management of end-of-life aircraft” continues Fermaut. “However, it remains a challenge to secure the parts and manpower that we need. As requests for our services continue to increase, we are stepping up our aircraft engineer training programs in partnership with Aircraft Academy, part of the Vallair Group. We are also working closely with local schools and colleges to develop courses for skills and qualifications – this is vital to the central region of France, and also to Vallair.”
Fermaut’s previous experience includes senior roles at SA Composité Industrie, director of MRO operations at RUAG Aerospace (Suisse), and manager at Latécoère Aéroservice responsible for aerostructure composites and painting.