Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and its subsidiary, Mitsubishi Aircraft, has begun assembly of Japan’s first small passenger jet plane at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries factory in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

The development of the aircraft, known as the Mitsubishi regional jet (MRJ), is targeted to take first flight in 2012.

Based on an order placed by Mitsubishi Aircraft, MHI has begun riveting work on the frame structure surrounding the emergency escape hatch for crew in the cockpit roof of the aircraft.

The MRJ is a family of 70 to 90-seat regional jets and will feature noise analysis technologies and a game-changing engine, with a four-abreast seat configuration and large overhead bins.