October 21, 2010 - Pemco World Air Services disclosed details of a project to convert four 757-200 passenger aircraft to Combi configuration. The base modification combines Pemco’s 757 freighter conversion with the successful 737-400 Combi modification which Pemco designed, built and certified in 2006 for Alaska Airlines.  

“Pemco has coupled its market leading narrow body cargo conversion design and build expertise to produce for National four of the most advanced multi-mission aircraft operating today. National’s 757C operation will provide a level of performance, safety and comfort not yet available in its future market.” 

The 757C launch project will involve a total of five National Airlines airplanes and includes installation of a large cargo door and freight handling system, provisions for Class C cargo compartment with automatic fire detection and suppression, installation of an in-flight entertainment system in the passenger compartment, modification of the flight deck to state of the art glass instrumentation, and a full heavy maintenance visit including paint.  

Pemco inducted the first of the Combi units in June of this year, and says that the conversion work has gone more quickly than anticipated. Pemco expects to begin ground and flight testing by year end, and to achieve FAA certification of the 757 Combi in the first quarter 2011.

National owner Chris Alf said, “Pemco has coupled its market leading narrow body cargo conversion design and build expertise to produce for National four of the most advanced multi-mission aircraft operating today. National’s 757C operation will provide a level of performance, safety and comfort not yet available in its future market.”

Pemco purchased the Alcoa-SIE 14.5-pallet 757-200 passenger-to- full freighter conversion program last year. Pemco has since leveraged its own successful 737-400 Combi program, and together with SIE, developed the 757 Combi conversion program. Pemco is a leading provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services, having US operations in Tampa, Dothan and Cincinnati and partner operations in Asia. Pemco performed well over 300 cargo conversions across 26 different aircraft platforms over the past four decades.