September 28th, 2020, Roswell, N.M. – Arizona-based Ascent Aviation Services is planning to expand to the Roswell Air Center and hire 360 employees in New Mexico for airplane repair and maintenance services, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today.
Ascent Aviation Services has signed a letter of intent to commence operations at the Roswell Air Center. The firm is set to hire 130 employees in the first year, for a total of 360 over the next five years. Workers are expected to earn an average salary of $54,000 a year.
The State of New Mexico, through its Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job creation fund, administered by the Economic Development Department, has pledged up to $4 million to support the project, while Chaves County has committed an additional $3 million in utility and infrastructure improvements. Ascent plans to invest $18 million into the New Mexico location. The project is expected to have a statewide economic impact of $545 million over 10 years.
“With its clear blue skies and competitive business climate, New Mexico continues to attract top-tier aerospace companies,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Roswell Air Center is a unique economic driver that will, with the support of my administration, continue to bring high-quality and high-paying jobs to the area, and I am glad to welcome Ascent Aviation to the state.”
“The Roswell Air Center has been a tremendous asset in Chaves County,” Cabinet Secretary Keyes said. “The state is fortunate to have LEDA and other incentives that can help Ascent and other companies expand or relocate in New Mexico and bring higher paying jobs to rural communities.”
Ascent is a one-stop shop for aircraft maintenance including storage, maintenance, reclamation, and fueling. It services narrow, wide-body, and regional aircraft, and has authorizations on Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, and Airbus aircraft. It also services airlines, cargo operators, leasing companies, and VIPs.
