Aircraft aftermarket service provider, Ascent Aviation Services (Ascent) has broken ground at Pinal Air Park in Marana, Arizona, US, marking the start of construction on two new widebody aircraft hangars to establish a North American site to carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions and heavy maintenance.

When completed, the Marana site will convert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The site expansion increases the Marana operation hangar capacity by 180,000 sqft along with an additional 60,000 sqft of storage and shop space.

With an estimated capital investment of US$55 million, Ascent says the site will provide more than 300 new jobs bringing lasting growth to the aviation industry and to the local community.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs joined executives from Ascent Aviation Services, local, county, and state dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony on March 29, 2024.

David Querio, president and chief executive of Ascent, said: “The construction of these two hangars reflects our long-standing commitment to grow our footprint in Southern Arizona and to provide long-standing stability to all of our team members.

“With our long-term partnership with the world’s leader in passenger-to-freighter modifications, Israel Aerospace Industries, Ascent continues to execute on our aggressive and methodical
expansion of capabilities for our global network of customers.”

Governor Hobbs said: “For more than 40 years, Ascent has maintained a strong and continuous presence in our state – bolstering our robust aviation industry and bringing hundreds of jobs to the region.

“Today’s announcement is the beginning of what is sure to be another 40 years of partnership, collaboration, and innovation that will move our state and country forward.”

READ MORE NEWS: IAI signs deal for Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion line