Piaggio Aerospace Names IJSC Authorized Service Center in North America

This article is based on an official press release from Piaggio Aerospace and additional industry data provided in the source material.

Piaggio Aerospace Expands North American Support Network with IJSC Designation

In a significant move to strengthen its foothold in the North American market, Piaggio Aerospace has officially designated Intercontinental Jet Service Corp (IJSC) as an authorized service center. Announced on January 28, 2026, this agreement marks the first major expansion of the manufacturer’s service network in the region following its acquisition by the Turkish defense firm Baykar in July 2025.

The partnership formalizes a long-standing relationship between the Italian aircraft manufacturer and the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based maintenance provider. According to the company’s announcement, the agreement focuses on providing comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the P.180 Avanti series, the manufacturer’s flagship turboprop aircraft. This development is a critical component of Piaggio’s broader strategy to restore customer confidence and stabilize its global support infrastructure.

With approximately 50% of the active P.180 Avanti fleet operating in North America, the designation of a central, high-capacity service hub addresses a vital need for operators. The move signals that the manufacturer is transitioning from a period of financial restructuring into an active growth phase, aiming to support both legacy aircraft and future models.

Strategic Revitalization Under New Ownership

This service center designation is not an isolated event but part of a comprehensive “comeback” strategy orchestrated under Piaggio Aerospace’s new ownership. Following years of “extraordinary administration,” the company was acquired by Baykar in mid-2025. Since then, the focus has shifted toward ramping up production and modernizing the fleet.

According to industry data, the manufacturer plans to increase production of the P.180 from a low of 4–5 units annually to a target of 25–30 units per year. Additionally, the company is preparing for the launch of the “Avanti Next,” an updated iteration of the aircraft expected to feature modernized avionics and improved systems. However, executives acknowledge that selling new aircraft requires a robust support network for existing owners.

In the official press release, Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini emphasized the forward-looking nature of the agreement:

“This is only the first step of many to enhance both the aircraft and the after-sales service.”

, Giovanni Tomassini, CEO of Piaggio Aerospace

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The Role of Intercontinental Jet Service Corp

Intercontinental Jet Service Corp (IJSC) brings substantial infrastructure and experience to the partnership. Located at Tulsa International Airport (KTUL), IJSC operates a facility spanning over 56,000 square feet, including hangar, shop, and office space. The company is already well-regarded in the turboprop market, holding authorizations for Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft and Honeywell TPE331 engines.

While the “authorized” designation is new, IJSC’s experience with the P.180 is not. The MRO provider has maintained a relationship with Piaggio for over a decade, servicing the airframe prior to this formal agreement. Their capabilities as a “one-stop-shop”, covering airframe, engines, propellers, and avionics, position them to provide immediate relief to the North American fleet.

AirPro News analysis

The designation of IJSC is a calculated signal to the business aviation market that Piaggio Aerospace is solvent and “open for business.” For years, financial uncertainty surrounding the manufacturer created hesitation among potential buyers and frustration among existing owners regarding parts availability. By formalizing a partnership with a well-established US-based MRO, Piaggio is directly addressing the “service gap” that often plagues niche manufacturers.

Furthermore, the choice of a central location like Tulsa suggests a logistical strategy to serve operators from both coasts efficiently. If the “Avanti Next” is to succeed in the competitive 2026 market, prospective buyers will need assurance that they will not be left stranded without support. This agreement serves as that assurance, laying the groundwork for the sales push of the modernized airframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the P.180 Avanti?
The P.180 Avanti is a twin-engine turboprop known for its unique three-lifting-surface configuration and pusher propellers. It is widely cited as the fastest turboprop in the world, offering jet-like speeds with significantly higher fuel efficiency.

Who owns Piaggio Aerospace?
As of July 2025, Piaggio Aerospace is owned by Baykar, a prominent Turkish defense company best known for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Will there be more service centers?
The press release indicates that this agreement is the “first step,” implying that further expansions to the service network in North America and other regions are likely as the company ramps up operations.

Sources

• Piaggio Aerospace Press Release