Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has entered into a long-term agreement with Ascent Aviation Services to establish a conversion site for Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. As part of the collaboration, Ascent will convert two lines of these aircraft starting in 2024 at their facilities in Marana Pinal Airpark (MZJ), Arizona. They will construct two new widebody hangars to support this initiative.
IAI recently completed the world’s first passenger-to-cargo conversion of a B777-300ERSF and expects to receive certification from CAAI and FAA in 2023. The conversion sites are essential due to the growing demand for long-haul wide-body freighter aircraft like the B777-300ER, which can carry up to 100 tonnes of cargo.
IAI already has a family of converted aircraft, including the Boeing 747, 767, 737 NG, and the Airbus A330-300. The collaboration is seen as a significant step to address the demand for cargo aircraft and fuel-efficient solutions. The partnership is expected to bring economic growth to the Tucson aviation community, with the expansion of Ascent’s operations and the creation of high-skilled jobs.
President & CEO of Ascent Aviation Services, David Querio, expressed excitement about the partnership, and IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy, emphasised the value and efficiency of IAI’s solutions in the cargo aircraft market.