Passenger planes to be converted for cargo near Tucson

Cargo planes capable of hauling up to 100 tons of merchandise will be created at a local airpark.

Ascent Aviation Services and Israel Aerospace Industries have partnered on a site for passenger-to-freight conversions of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in Marana.

Two, 90,000-square-foot hangars are nearly complete and will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 8 at Pinal Airpark.

The $70 million project adds more than 300 jobs in Southern Arizona with an average salary of $77,000, the Chamber of Southern Arizona says.

“This investment not only enhances our aerospace capabilities but also underscores the collaborative and regional spirit of our community,” said Joe Snell, president and CEO of The Chamber of Southern Arizona. “Together, we continue to position Southern Arizona as a leader in aviation innovation, driving economic growth and prosperity for generations to come.”

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Earlier this year, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) completed the first passenger-to-freight conversion of the Boeing model, known as the “Big Twin,” and received certification from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel.

“The company takes great pride in being the first in the world to convert a Boeing 777 into a freighter,” said Boaz Levy, president and CEO of IAI. “Receiving certification from aviation authorities highlights IAI's technological, engineering and operational expertise and positions the company as a pioneer in this field.”

The company says demand for wide-body freighter aircraft, capable of long-haul flights, will create significant fuel savings and is expected to become a popular aircraft for freight.

The conversion involves structural modifications, such as a new cargo door, reinforced floors and barriers.

“Ascent is excited to embark on this long-term partnership with IAI over the course of this fifteen-year agreement,” said David Querio, President and CEO of Ascent Aviation Services. “With this expansion, we will expand our footprint in Marana to hangar up to three wide-body aircraft, bring hundreds of new high-skilled jobs to the region and continue to provide our team members continued growth and stability.”