Governor Laura Kelly today applauded Mid-Continent Aviation Services’ plan to expand their current footprint and double their workforce with construction of a new hangar at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport.
“With more than $5.7 million in new dollars invested in Kansas and over 20 jobs created, Mid-Continent Aviation Services’ project is great news for Wichita’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Building on our foundation as the Air Capital of the World will help continue the record economic success our state has achieved coming out of the pandemic. I look forward to our continued partnership with Mid-Continent and the entire aviation community to bring more jobs and investment to our state.”
The news was shared today in Las Vegas at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, a global industry tradeshow and supplier event.
Mid-Continent Aviation Services (MCAS) focuses on aircraft maintenance and support including business jet, turboprop, piston and rotorcraft products, featuring the Hawker 4000, Hawker 800 series and Beechcraft Premier models. MCAS also specializes in stocking and locating hard-to-find legacy aircraft part inventory and part solutions. MCAS is an affiliate of ICM, Inc. in Colwich, Kansas.
As part of the planned growth, the company will create 23 new jobs, growing their team to over 40.
“This impressive venture is still more proof of Wichita’s well-deserved aerospace reputation, which has long been a driver of new business investment and jobs for Kansas. Plus, this is a prime example of tangible success in aligning our world-class assets and competitive advantage in the aerospace industry, which is a central tenet of our Framework for Growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “My sincerest congratulations to Mid-Continent for this impressive expansion plan that will house key maintenance operations while delivering good-paying jobs.”
“As a world-class MRO we are excited to expand our footprint and capabilities for our customers at Eisenhower National Airport. Being located in the Air Capital of the World, the deep-rooted manufacturing skillsets of our local workforce have driven our past success – and we look forward to the next generation of growth for our team,” Kelly Lousch, Director of MCAS, said.
Company plans include the construction of a new 31,500-square-foot hangar to replace an existing 15,000-square-foot hangar. The new hangar space will accommodate plans for future work and includes state-of-the-art infrastructure. It is projected the new hangar will be operational in early 2022. Total investment for the project exceeds $5.7 million.
City of Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple congratulated the company stating, “We are thrilled about this announcement, and look forward to celebrating this continued local success story. Congratulations to MCAS on their company growth, expanding team and forward-thinking mindset.”
“Eisenhower National Airport is a critical operations hub for our regional aviation ecosystem. Companies like MCAS, who bring expertise to MROs are helping drive our economy by providing an important service and growing jobs for our community,” City of Wichita Councilman Jeff Blubaugh said.
“Wichita is home to one of five great aerospace clusters in the world. It was exciting to announce job growth from one of our important local companies on a national scale at NBAA today, and communicate how the Wichita region is the best place for aviation business,” Sedgwick County Chairman Pete Meitzner said.
The following photos are available for media use below:
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About Mid-Continent Aviation Services
Mid-Continent Aviation Services (MCAS) started as the fleet maintenance team for ICM Energy. In 2010, the plan was put in place to make the hangar a full-service MRO that would provide the highest quality maintenance service at a very competitive price. In 2017 MCAS expanded their services by adding the business jet division, which specializes in the Hawker 4000 and the Premier 1A.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States.