Ascent Aviation and Israel Aerospace Industries Advance Boeing 777 Freighter Conversion Program in Marana

MARANA, ARIZONA (June 9, 2026) — Ascent Aviation Services and Israel Aerospace Industries have reached the next major milestone in their partnership to expand Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion work in North America.

With two new widebody hangars now completed at Ascent’s Pinal Air Park facility in Marana, the site is preparing to begin inducting Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for cargo conversion operations in the third quarter of 2026.

The newly completed hangars total 90,000 square feet and were purpose-built to support IAI’s global Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program. The $70 million investment expands Ascent’s widebody aircraft modification and heavy maintenance capabilities and increases hangar capacity at the Marana facility by 200 percent.

The project also strengthens Southern Arizona’s position in the aerospace and aviation sector, placing Marana at the center of a next-generation freighter conversion program serving the global cargo market.

Under the long-term agreement, Ascent will serve as IAI’s North American conversion site for two Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion lines. The converted aircraft are intended to help meet growing global demand for long-haul cargo capacity while extending the useful life of Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft through IAI’s advanced freighter modification technology.

“The completion of these new widebody hangars represents a transformational moment for Ascent Aviation Services and for the aviation industry in Arizona,” said David Querio, CEO of Ascent Aviation Services. “Our partnership with IAI reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term investment in the future of global air cargo. We are proud to support one of the most advanced freighter conversion programs in the world from our Marana operation.”

IAI’s Boeing 777-300ERSF program is the first conversion platform of its kind and has emerged as a major solution for cargo operators seeking greater volume and operating efficiency in the international freight market. The Marana facility is expected to play a key role in supporting worldwide demand for widebody freighter aircraft.

“IAI is pleased to continue strengthening our partnership with Ascent Aviation Services as we expand the Boeing 777-300ERSF program globally,” said Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI Aviation Group. “The completion of the Marana widebody hangars and the upcoming induction of the first aircraft marks a significant achievement for both organizations. Together, we are building a world-class conversion operation that will support the future growth of the international cargo market.”

The expansion is expected to create hundreds of highly skilled aviation jobs in Southern Arizona while reinforcing Marana’s growing role as a regional aerospace and aviation center.

The first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is expected to arrive at the Marana facility in the third quarter of 2026 for conversion under IAI’s Supplemental Type Certificate program.

Ascent Aviation Services is one of the largest independent aircraft aftermarket service providers in the world, offering heavy maintenance, component MRO, flight line, storage, and reclamation services for widebody, narrowbody, and regional aircraft. The company is a Class IV FAA 14 CFR Part 145 certified repair station and has maintained a continuous workforce in Arizona for more than 40 years.

Israel Aerospace Industries is a global aerospace and defense company specializing in advanced aviation technologies and solutions. Its Aviation Group is a global leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions for commercial aircraft operators worldwide.