U.S. company locates aircraft conversion program in Asia

U.S. company locates aircraft conversion program in Asia    Pemco Aviation Group Inc. and Malaysian Airlines System said they will work together to convert older passenger jets to cargo configurations in the Southeast Asia market.
   Under the partnership, Pemco will contract out conversion business from other airlines in the region to Malaysian Airlines. Pemco will help Malaysian Airlines get a conversion program set up at its facilities and provide training and management oversight.
   Birmingham, Ala.-based Pemco, which has converted several Boeing 737 planes in the United States for China Southern and other Asian customers, said the alliance is designed to make the process more convenient for airlines in Asia.
   Pemco is certified to convert 737-300s and eventually may seek permission to convert other aircraft, spokeswoman Doris Sewell said. A Pemco statement suggested the company may seek out other regional conversion partners in the future as the company tries to take advantage of the need for more freighter aircraft as Asian trade continues to grow.