PEMCO World Air Services (PEMCO) has launched its Passenger-to-FlexCombi and passenger-to-freighter conversion programmes for the Boeing Next Generation 737-700 aircraft.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) says the programmes will be marketed as B737-700FC (FlexCombi) and B737-700F (Freighter).

PEMCO director of conversion programs, Mike Andrews says: “We’re excited to finally announce the launch of our 700-series conversion programs for the Boeing 737.

“Over the past several months, we have worked closely with our customers to fully understand their requirements and implement a comprehensive solution.”

The launch customer for the PEMCO B737-700FC is Bahrain-based Chisholm Enterprises, an internationally recognised provider of tailored aviation and business solutions in the Middle East. Its subsidiary Texel Air, a non-scheduled cargo airline, will operate the B737-700FC from Bahrain International Airport.

Chisholm Enterprises chief executive officer, George Chisholm says: “We made a significant investment to develop our specification for the FlexCombi to meet our operational requirements.

“I acknowledge the professionalism and support received from the PEMCO team during our extensive evaluation process culminating in PEMCO’s confirmation of proof of concept. This underwrote our decision to become the launch customer for the B737-700FC.”

PEMCO will induct the first aircraft for B737-700 Passenger-to-FlexCombi modification at PEMCO’s facilities in Tampa, during the second quarter of 2017. PEMCO expects to receive a US Federal Aviation Administration supplemental type certification (STC) by mid-2018.

After the initial issuance, PEMCO plans to certify both B737-700 conversion programs with the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Administration of China shortly thereafter.

The PEMCO B737-700FC offers three configurations: a 24-passenger cabin plus a 2,640-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 30,000 pounds of payload in six pallet positions; a 12-passenger cabin plus a 3,005-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 35,000 pounds of payload in seven pallet positions; or full-freighter with 3,370-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 40,000 pounds of payload in eight pallet positions.

The B737-700F PEMCO-converted aircraft features nine pallet positions, up to 45,000 pounds of payload, and 3,844 cubic feet of total volume. The available positions will accommodate 88” x 125” or 88” x 108” pallets, with the ninth position accommodating a smaller pallet.