Pemco lands YTO Express B737 trio conversion contract

Pemco World Air Services has won a contract from YTO Express (YTO) to convert three B737-300 passenger aircraft into freighters.
China-based YTO, currently operating one B737-300 reconfigured by US-based conversion specialist Pemco, will take redelivery of the aircraft trio through the fourth quarter of 2017.
This order is the first to be announced following Pemco’s acquisition by ATSG subsidary Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services (AMES) in January this year for an undisclosed sum.
“Pemco was selected based on our experience with their product,” said Bruce Lee of YTO, adding: “We are pleased with the performance and recognise the operating economics to support our goal to be the ‘Choice of the Chinese’.”
Pemco Director of Conversion Programs Mike Andrews said: “We’re honored to be selected by YTO. We look forward to our continued partnership and supporting their growth.”
The B737-300 PEMCO-converted aircraft features nine pallet positions, up to 43,100 lbs (20 tonnes) of payload, and 4,600 cu ft of total volume. The optimised centre of gravity of Pemco’s B737-300 freighter "yields the highest possible usable payload and retains maximum best-in-class fuel efficiency for unbeatable range and operating economics," said the company.
Pemco chief executive Pastor Lopez stated: “We continue to build relationships and market share in China. We’re proud to work with YTO on this upcoming project.”