MRJ Program Pushed Back

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. (MITAC) announced last Thursday a revamped schedule for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) program. First flight is now slated for the second quarter of calendar year 2015, with first delivery in 2Q 2017.

 

Prior to this adjustment, first flight was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013, and first delivery between summer 2015 and 1Q 2016. 

 

According to the company’s press release, “In the course of developing the MRJ with a focus on safety, unprecedented fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, MITAC has simultaneously addressed processes in which design and development of aircraft system and component specifications are aligned with safety certification. Design and respective certification, however, have taken greater resources than anticipated which, in turn, impacted component deliveries and aircraft fabrication. In step with program partners, MITAC has established this new schedule to take into account the fulfillment of respective safety certification standards.”

 

The statement adds that assembly of the first test airframes is under way in preparation for respective ground and flight tests. Customer support's portfolio of services and providers are also taking shape, as is the preparation of facilities for realizing serial production at the earliest time. 

 

The company “reiterates its commitment to building the MRJ as a safe, efficient, and game-changing regional aircraft that will meet, and exceed, the needs of our customers.”

 

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. commenced operation on April 1, 2008 to conduct the design, procurement, type certification, sales and marketing and customer support for the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets designed to offer both operational economy and cabin comfort. Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. is capitalized at 100 billion yen, with financing furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Toyota Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Sumitomo Corp., and Mitsui and Co. Ltd.