Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson aims to open an aviation centre in South Wales which could create 800 jobs.
He is launching aircraft maintenance business Cardiff Aviation to maintain aircraft for major and independent airlines.
It will also perform training, and claims to have the necessary approvals to certify aircraft from countries including the US.
Dickinson, who used on to work as a pilot for now-defunct charter airline Astraeus, has teamed up with two business partners to take over part of the RAF’s St Asaph air base.
The company is leasing the 132,000 sq ft hangar from the Welsh government.
He said he had received “a level of enthusiasm and drive that has been a delight to behold,” in his efforts to bring the business to Wales.
Dickinson added: “We’re coming into this enterprise with the knowledge that we’ll also be bringing business to south Wales.
“South Wales has long had an association with the aircraft industry and I am delighted that I am able to have a small part in the continuation of that tradition.”
Business minister in the Welsh government Edwina Hart said: “We have been working closely with Bruce Dickinson and Cardiff Aviation on this exciting project for some time and delighted it has come to fruition.
“This is exactly the type of investment needed – bringing money into the local economy while also providing an international promotion for St Athan Aerospace Business Park and the Aviation Enterprise Zone.
“We have a strong dynamic aerospace sector in Wales and this investment will build upon the skilled workforce that already exists in the area, providing a range of career opportunities.”