After a nearly four year delay, Mitsubishi Aircraft revealed over the weekend the first Japanese passenger jet aiming at performing regional flights. High-speed trains experts contributed to the development of the plane whose first flight tests are due to be conducted in 2015.
Mitsubishi Aircraft presents MRJ, Japan’s first passenger jet (pic: Stratfor/Wikimedia)
The presentation event for the new aircraft took place at Nagoya airport in the presence of about 500 people, including the presidents of air operators Trans States Airlines and ANA Holdings as well as suppliers and government officials.
“The Mitsubishi plane will give a strong impulse to the Japanese aviation industry,” said Akihiro Nishimura, the Transportation Secretary of State.
Mitsubishi intends to build two MRJ models of 78 and 92 seats. The company plans to carry out the maiden flight in June next year.
Japan and China are struggling to compete with famed companies like Embraer (Brazil ) and Bombardier (Canada) that dominate the Asian small passenger aircraft market.
The large passenger aircraft segment of the aviation industry is overwhelmingly dominated by Boeing and Airbus Group.
“Despite falling for long behind the schedule, the Mitsubishi jet will be the first to hit the market and is expected to be equipped with a new generation of engine,” said Richard Aboulafia, the vice president at Teal Group consulting company in Fairfax, Virginia.
Mitsubishi has already received 407 orders, including purchasing options for this aircraft, from air operator ANA (All Nipon Airlines) and five other airlines.
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