Maarana will also establish a conversion site
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a long-term agreement with Maarana Aerospace Solutions, Inc. (DBA) Ascent Aviation Services (“Ascent”) to establish a conversion site and carry out passenger-to-freighter conversions on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Setting up passenger-to-freighter conversion remote sites around the world is required due to the expected demand for wide-body freighter aircraft capable of long-haul flights, such as the B777-300ER, which after conversion will be able to carry payloads of up to 100 tons.
As part of the deal collaboration agreement, Ascent is expected to covert two lines of Boeing B777-300ER aircraft in its own facilities in Marana (Arizona, USA) from 2024 onwards. To support the program, the company will build two new wide-body hangars with pre-construction work having already commenced. Work is expected to be completed on both hangars prior to aircraft induction.
IAI’s Aviation Group recently successfully completed the first test flight of a B777-300ERSF after it underwent passenger-to-cargo conversion, the first of its kind worldwide. Meanwhile, the company is about to complete the certification process to receive the supplemental type certificate (or STC, necessary to modify an aeronautical product from its original design) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) and FAA within 2023.
IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy said: “The advanced capabilities and efficient solutions which IAI offers its customers, provide the solution having the best value available in the market, supporting the growing demand for cargo aircraft around the world. Today’s signing of the agreement with Ascent represents a strong direct continuation of the many successful collaboration agreements already existing between IAI and USA companies. IAI’s Conversions and Upgrades Business Line, Aviation Group, underscores the confidence that the company has in Ascent Aviation Services’ ability to set up a conversion site within the required timetable, and next year to carry out the first conversion.”
David Querio, President & CEO of Ascent Aviation Services commented: “Ascent is excited to embark on this long-term partnership with IAI over the course of this fifteen-year agreement. We look forward to getting started on our hangar buildout and bringing dozens of aircraft to Arizona to support the maintenance and modification services required. This long-term collaboration agreement will bring lasting growth to the Tucson aviation community. With this expansion, we will expand our footprint in Marana to hangar up to three (3) wide-body aircraft, bring hundreds of new high-skilled jobs to the region and continue to provide our team members continued growth and stability. This additional diversification of our offerings continues Ascent down our journey to become the world-class MRO of choice for our customers.”
The 777-300ER will join IAI’s family of converted aircraft, which today includes the Boeing 747, 767 and 737 NG and A330-300 under development.
