mitsubishi-regional-jet

Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) plans to set up an aircraft manufacturing facility in Aichi Prefecture as part of its strategy to boost the production of next-generation Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ).

MHI intends to purchase a 7.8ha of land neighbouring an airport in Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture to establish the new facility, which is expected to create new jobs and strengthen the local economy.

Construction of the plant is expected to begin as early as fiscal 2014.

"Mitsubishi Aircraft expects to secure more than 1,500 orders for MRJ within the next two decades and plans to increase the production rate to ten aeroplanes a month around fiscal 2020."

Mitsubishi Aircraft, which is a 64%-held subsidiary of MHI, will operate the facility and manufacture the MRJ, a new small jet, which is currently under development.

To date, the aircraft manufacturer has received 325 cumulative orders, which includes 165 firm orders and 160 options.

Mitsubishi Aircraft expects to secure more than 1,500 orders for MRJ within the next two decades and plans to increase the production rate to ten aeroplanes a month around fiscal 2020.

The 70 to 90-seat MRJ will be powered by Pratt & Whitney’s advanced PurePower PW1200G engine, which has been designed to reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions by more than 50%, while offering low operating costs for airlines or operators.

MRJ is slated to take its first flight in early 2013 with first airliner scheduled to be delivered in 2015.

In December 2012, US-based SkyWest, the holding company for SkyWest Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines and an aircraft lessor, placed a $4.2bn firm order for 100 next-generation MRJ90 aeroplanes, with an option to add a further 100 jets.

Mitsubishi Aircraft is expected to deliver the first batch of aeroplanes to SkyWest in 2017 and those from the optional order by 2021.

Image: Delivery of the first Mitsubishi regional jet aircraft is scheduled for 2015. Photo: file image.