Mitsubishi Aircraft and US firm Mesa Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to initiate talks to acquire 100 SpaceJet M100 aircraft.

The agreement was signed by the parties at the Regional Airline Association (RAA) annual conference held this year in Nashville, Tennessee, US.

Mitsubishi Aircraft aims to achieve 50 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 50.

Mitsubishi Aircraft president Hisakazu Mizutani said: “As we developed the Mitsubishi SpaceJet family, we knew we had changed the way that passengers and airlines will think about regional travel.

“Mesa Airlines’ selection of the SpaceJet M100 confirms that our aircraft fulfils current and future needs in this industry and that airlines are ready to move our discussions forward.”

The Mitsubishi’s SpaceJet M100 features spacious and comfortable cabins in its class, provides enhanced passenger experience, minimises operating costs and improves airline passenger loyalty.

It is also designed to comply with the ‘current scope clause restrictions’ in the US.

Mesa Air Group chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein said: “The US mainline carriers are looking for an aircraft that will allow them to provide a consistent, premium passenger experience from their regional to their long-haul fleets.

“With its large cabin, comfort, new technology and low operating costs, the Mitsubishi SpaceJet M100 can deliver this premium experience within US scope clause.”

Mitsubishi will start delivering the aircraft from 2024.

In May, Mitsubishi Aircraft as a part of its global expansion strategy opened a new US headquarters in Renton, Washington.