Mitsubishi’s regional jet to commence deliveries by mid-2020

According to a media report, the Mitsubishi Regional Jet began certification flights last month in Moses Lake, Washington. The aircraft would be the first Japanese airline built since the 1960s. The company is expected to start deliveries next year.

The regional airline market is estimated to be worth US$ 135 billion in sales in the next 20 years. Rival Boeing is acquiring an 80% stake in Embraer’s commercial operations while Bombardier sold its C Series project to Airbus last year.

The MRJ will be offered in 76 and 88 seat configurations powered by Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan engines, which are claimed to offer reduced maintenance time and cost. The smaller plane has a range of 1,880 – 3,740 km while the 88-seat option can travel 2,120 – 3,770 km without refueling. The company has also planned a 100-seat aircraft.

Mitsubishi had initially planned test flights in 2012, but it was delayed to 2015 due to production difficulties.

Source: Bloomberg