Israeli-American Partnership Expands Airplane Conversion Program
Israel Aerospace Industries and Ascent Aviation Services expand their Boeing 777-300ERSF cargo conversion program in Arizona, adding new hangars and jobs.
Jerusalem, 3 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and U.S.-based Ascent Aviation Services announced the next phase of their Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion program in North America, with cargo conversion operations scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
The expansion follows the completion of two new 90,000-square-foot widebody hangars at Ascent’s Pinal Air Park facility in Marana, Arizona. The $70 million investment triples hangar capacity and will support two Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion lines operated under IAI’s Supplemental Type Certificate program.
IAI said the converted aircraft will help meet growing global demand for long-haul cargo capacity while extending the operational life of Boeing 777-300ER passenger jets. The project is also expected to create hundreds of skilled aviation jobs in southern Arizona.
