Vallair, provider of integrated support for mature aircraft, engines and major components, has 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 Vallair’s repair capabilities with a team that has grown from two technicians to a skilled workforce of 125 in the past eight years.

He joined Vallair in 2016, just as the organisation gained approval for its aerostructure component repair facility.

Fermaut has overseen the facility’s 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.

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.

Fermaut said: “It has taken time to build from zero into a highly competitive repair shop. 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 recognise the cost advantages offered by Vallair’s total repair capability, aligned with AFRA-accredited disassembly options all in one place.”

Fermaut added: “From parts distribution to dismantling, through to materials recycling, Vallair is continuously working on new strategies for the management of end-of-life aircraft. 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 programmes 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.”

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