PEMCO Celebrates 100th B737-300 Freighter Conversion

Global leading cargo conversion company, Pemco World Air Services (PEMCO), has announced the redelivery of its 100th B737-300 converted aircraft, which was modified for SF Airlines, the air cargo division of S.F. Express. The 100th B737-300 conversion marks the 16th -300/-400 PEMCO-converted aircraft (MSN 29068) for SF Airlines with three more planned in 2016.

VP of SF Airlines Liang Xi said, “Since inducting the first B737 Classic in 2011, SF now operates 13 Classics all converted under PEMCO’s STC. We’re very grateful for PEMCO’s excellent STC program and continued support. By the end of the year, we expect the B737 Classic to surpass the B757 to become the largest SF fleet.”

PEMCO’s B737-300 conversion program started in 1991 with launch customer L’Aeropostale (acquired by ASL Aviation Group). For 25 years, PEMCO has provided B737-300 full-freighter and quick change conversions for customers all over the world, including China Postal Airlines EMS, Kahala Aviation, Swiftair, TNT Express, and Yangtze River Express Airlines.

“I started with PEMCO in 1988 as an A&P mechanic on the conversion program and I’m proud to see what our program has become – a global leader in narrow-body freighter conversion,” said Mike Andrews, director of conversion programs. “I’m happy to celebrate our 100th conversion with longtime partner SF Airlines.”

The first Boeing 737-300 aircraft in China was a PEMCO-converted aircraft accomplished by STAECOin 2006 for Donghai Airlines – the first ever B737-300 freighter conversion completed in China. Since 2006, PEMCO has redelivered over 50 B737-300 and -400 freighter modification projects to Chinese operators.

“It’s been a privilege to work so closely with our Asia customers and partners over the past 10 years. The 737-300F has been the cornerstone of our business in Asia and hitting 100 is a testament to all the hard working professionals at PEMCO and partner STAECO making it happen,” shared Cargo Conversions Program Manager (Asia) Bill Louthan. He added, “We understand that our customers have a choice and we take great pride when they choose PEMCO as their preferred 737 cargo conversion STC.”

CEO Pastor Lopez and VP of Maintenance Shane King joined Andrews and Louthan in Jinan Shandong, China, to celebrate the 100th conversion. Those on hand to celebrate the historic event included partner STAECO and customers China Postal Airlines EMS, Longhao Aviation Group, SF Airlines, and YTO Express Airlines.

Since PEMCO’s inception, its conversion program has modified over 350 aircraft using 70-plus STCs.