Aviation Week recently visited Ascent’s Marana facility to witness the unprecedented growth taking place across the operation. From the arrival of nearly 100 former Spirit Airlines aircraft and a surge in heavy maintenance activity to preparations for Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions with IAI, Ascent continues to expand its capabilities, workforce, and infrastructure. Read how these investments are positioning the company for long-term success and supporting customers around the globe.
This video highlights Ascent Aviation Services’ continued growth at its Marana facility, showcasing expanded widebody maintenance capabilities and the skilled workforce behind the operation. It offers a look at how the company is strengthening its position in the MRO industry through innovation, investment, and large-scale aircraft maintenance expertise.
A 13 News feature spotlights Pinal County Airpark’s transformation from a historic training base to a modern aviation powerhouse driven by Ascent Aviation Services. With a $70 million expansion, new widebody hangars, and more than 300 new jobs, the facility is fueling passenger-to-freighter conversions, aircraft maintenance, and economic growth— solidifying Southern Arizona’s role in the global aviation industry.
Ascent Aviation Services marked the grand opening of two new 90,000-square-foot widebody maintenance hangars at Pinal Airpark, part of a $70 million investment that expands maintenance capacity by 200% and supports B777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversions. The expansion is expected to create more than 300 high-wage jobs while strengthening Southern Arizona’s position as a growing aviation and aerospace hub.
Ascent Aviation Services’ new widebody hangars at Pinal Airpark are helping drive economic growth in Marana, bringing hundreds of skilled aviation jobs and expanding aircraft maintenance and conversion capabilities. The investment strengthens Southern Arizona’s role as a growing hub for global aviation maintenance, repair, and cargo conversion operations.
On December 8, Ascent Aviation Services celebrated the grand opening of two new 90,000square-foot widebody maintenance hangars at its Pinal Air Park facility in Marana, Arizona. The $70 million expansion increases hangar capacity by 200%, supports the B777-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion program in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries, and will create more than 300 high-wage jobs. The investment reinforces Southern Arizona’s growing aviation economy while strengthening workforce development through a structured apprentice program designed to cultivate the next generation of aviation professionals.
Ascent Aviation Services has initiated construction of two new wide-body aircraft hangars at Pinal Air Park in Marana, Arizona, marking a significant expansion of its North American maintenance and passenger-to-freighter conversion operations. The development adds 180,000 sq ft of hangar space plus 60,000 sq ft of shop/storage facilities, and will support Boeing 777-300ER conversions for Israel Aerospace Industries. With an estimated $55 million investment, the project is expected to create over 300 aviation jobs and bolster Ascent’s global service capabilities.
Ascent Aviation Services is gearing up its Marana, Arizona facility to support Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions as part of a long-term contract with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The company has broken ground on two new wide-body hangars that will house dual conversion lines and expand its workforce as it prepares for certification and upcoming modification work. Ascent will handle roughly a quarter of IAI’s global 777 P2F workload and has already begun hiring and training staff to support its growing capabilities.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Marana Aerospace Solutions (Ascent Aviation Services) have signed a long-term agreement to establish a Boeing 777-300ER passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion site at Ascent’s facilities in Marana, Arizona. Under the partnership, Ascent will construct two new widebody hangars to support conversion lines for up to two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with work beginning in 2024. The move comes as IAI nears certification of its first B777-300ERSF conversion and reflects growing global demand for long-haul freighter aircraft capable of carrying up to 100 tons of cargo.
Construction has begun on two new wide-body aircraft hangars at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, as part of Ascent Aviation Services’ long-term partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert Boeing 777 passenger jets into cargo freighters. The project is expected to create over 300 new jobs across a variety of roles—from mechanics to logistics and back-office support—boosting the regional economy and expanding Southern Arizona’s aviation presence. Hangar completion is phased through late 2024, with hiring and apprenticeship programs already underway to meet workforce demand.
The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that Pinal County Airpark warrants an air traffic control tower, giving the county up to seven years to complete the project as the facility continues to grow and see increased operations. The planned tower reflects the airport’s ongoing expansion and rising economic impact on the region as it develops into a key aviation hub.
Ascent Aviation Services has been featured in leading aviation and business publications for its ongoing growth, innovative services, and key industry partnerships. From breaking ground on new wide-body hangars in Marana, Arizona, to supporting Israel Aerospace Industries’ Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversions, our work has been highlighted by PR Newswire, KGUN9, KVOA, Aviation Week, AviTrader, and more. Explore our media coverage to see how Ascent continues to expand its global footprint, create high-skilled jobs, and set the standard in aircraft maintenance, conversions, and aftermarket solutions.