Ascent Aviation Services, an independent aircraft aftermarket services provider, has broken ground at Pinal Air Park in Marana, Arizona, on two new wide-body aircraft hangars to establish a North American conversion site to carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions and heavy maintenance. This expansion increases the Marana
operation hangar capacity by 180,000 ft² along with an additional 60,000 ft² of storage and shop space. Upon completion of this hangar development, the Marana operation will convert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
With an estimated capital investment of US$55 million the site will provide more than 300 new aviation jobs, allowing Ascent Aviation Services to expand its service offerings to the world-wide aviation industry and bring lasting growth to the local aviation community.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs joined executives from Ascent Aviation Services, local, county, and state dignitaries in attendance in providing remarks focused on the commitment to Southern Arizona aviation growth and economic development.
David Querio, President and CEO of Ascent Aviation Services stated: “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.”
“For more than forty 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,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Today's announcement is the beginning of what is sure to be another forty years of partnership, collaboration and innovation that will move our state and country forward. Not only will this expansion grow Ascent's existing Arizona footprint, it represents a US$50 million capital investment into this community and will create more than three hundred new, good-paying jobs.” (£1.00 = US$1.27 at time of publication).
