MARANA, AZ (December 8, 2025) – Ascent Aviation Services (“Ascent”) announced today the grand opening of two new 90,000-square-feet widebody maintenance hangars at their Pinal Air Park (MZJ) facility in Marana, Arizona. This celebration culminates an unprecedented investment in the Maintenance Base that has led to significant job growth and expansion in capabilities since its initial announcement in September of 2023.

The $70 million investment will elevate the facility in Marana and increase its hangar capacity by 200%, allowing the company to tackle more heavy maintenance. Additionally, it will pave the way to support the ongoing commercial relationship with Israel Aerospace Industries (“IAI”) and with their B777- 300ER passenger-to-freighter (“P2F”) conversion program, in which the STC was issued in August of 2025 by the FAA.

Ascent has positioned itself to become a leader in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Industry. David Querio President & CEO mentioned that “a company must continue foster growth and innovate to remain competitive in this niche industry.”

“Ascent Aviation Services’ Marana facility represents an exciting addition to Southern Arizona’s thriving aviation industry,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Ascent’s investment in Marana reinforces Arizona’s position as a premier aviation and aerospace hub, while creating hundreds of high-quality aviation jobs in Southern Arizona.”

“This project delivers outstanding economic impact for the entire Southern Arizona region with a $70 million investment and the creation of 300+ new high-wage jobs,” said Joe Snell, president & CEO, The Chamber of Southern Arizona. “The Chamber was thrilled to work with Dave Querio and the entire Ascent team and we congratulate them on their continued success."

“This is going to be the economic kickoff for the economic powerhouse in Southern Arizona, which will be  the Town of Marana,” said Marana Mayor Jon Post. “The employment that’s going to come to our community is so important. Overall, we’re so grateful for the level of commitment that Ascent has made to Marana.”

The B777-300ER Cargo Conversion Program is positioned to replace aging widebody freighters and provide much needed cargo capacity for the E-Commerce global freight boom. The demand for cargo uplift is expected to increase by 4-5% yearly in the next 5 years. By being the only non-OEM MRO conversion facility in North America capable of performing B777-300ER modifications, Ascent is uniquely positioned to support the growing demand for cargo uplift.

Locally, the event marks a significant step towards economic growth for Southern Arizona by creating over 300 high-paying jobs. P2F conversions are highly complex modifications that require strong structures technicians and mechanics to perform the modification. Ascent has built out a structured apprentice program to help foster a new generation of aviation professionals and demonstrates Ascent’s commitment to Southern Arizona’s Aviation Workforce.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

About Ascent Aviation Services
Ascent Aviation Services is one of the largest independent aircraft aftermarket services providers in the world, offering heavy maintenance, component MRO, flight line, storage, and reclamation services to owners, operators, and lessors of wide-body, narrow-body, and regional aircraft. Ascent is a Class IV FAA 14 CFR Part 145 certified repair station and has maintained a strong and continuous workforce in Arizona for over 40 years. For more information, visit ascentmro.com.
 
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.