Aviation Today :: Ascent Aviation Services Launches New, Tucson-based Aircraft Maintenance Operation Narrow-body Specialization Geared Toward Meeting Demands of Worldwide Customers

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Aviation Services (ASCENT) today formally announced the launch of commercial aircraft maintenance and repair operations at its facilities located at the Tucson International Airport in Tucson, Arizona.

"We are delighted to launch this operation in the Tucson area and draw on the considerable depth of aviation experience that is here," said ASCENT chief executive officer, Matthew Ray.

The ASCENT facilities consist of a 23-acre concrete ramp area, a 30,000 ft2 hangar with paint capability, secure aircraft parking and extensive warehouse space. The FAA-approved repair station specializes in 737 Classic, 737 NG and MD80 aircraft and performs aircraft heavy maintenance, line maintenance, modification services, transition services, aircraft storage, paint, disassembly and consignment parts sales.

The company purchased the assets of Hamilton Aerospace Technologies, Inc. and World Jet Corporation and has retained a substantial base of skills and experience from those two firms. ASCENT technicians average 21 years of aircraft maintenance experience. Its workforce has completed more than 400 heavy maintenance and modification visits on the 737 classic and MD80 fleets since 2002. According to Ray, ASCENT's focus will continue to be on the 737 and MD80 fleets in order to leverage the company's significant experience and deliver greater value to customers.

"We are fortunate and delighted to be in a position to combine these assets with a process-driven culture and the discipline necessary to meet the stringent demands of our worldwide aviation customers," Ray said. "We feel it's a strong value proposition."

ASCENT's objective is to become one of the premier narrow body maintenance providers in North America by providing indisputable value complemented by the highest quality professional service. ASCENT is owned by Victory Park Capital, a Chicago-based asset management firm with a growing commercial aircraft portfolio.