Intercontinental Jet, MHI Celebrate 20 Years Together

Intercontinental Jet Service Corporation (IJSC) recently held an open house to celebrate 20 years since its acquisition by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Tulsa, Oklahoma-based IJSC has long provided maintenance support for the MU-2 and, since being acquired, has expanded to offering maintenance for the Piaggio P.180; Cessna pistons, Caravan and Conquest turboprops, and CitationJet and Citation 560-series jets; Beechcraft King Airs; and Cirrus Aircraft SR pistons.

The open house brought together IJSC employees, customers, business partners, and local officials. These included MHI America president and COO Rio Shindo, Tulsa mayor Monroe Nichols, IJSC president Mark James, and others.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students in the group Ohitsuji Daiko, from Owasso’s Bailey Elementary School, entertained the crowd with a Japanese taiko drum piece called “Issho,” which means “together.” This was followed by Kagami Biraki, the ceremonial opening of a sake barrel without a knife, performed on celebratory occasions in Japan. 

“The ceremony provided a meaningful way to mark IJSC’s 20th anniversary while recognizing the important connection between Japan and the United States that has been part of IJSC’s relationship with MHI,” the company said.

“Today is more than an opportunity to showcase a facility,” said Shindo. “It is an opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships behind it, and a shared commitment to aviation excellence.”