TOKYO: Japan fulfilled its dream and unveiled first commercial jet in more than 50 years with the help of Mitsubishi Aircraft company. It wants to sell its 2000 ‘dream’ jets in the region.
Mitsubishi has confirmed to win 191 orders for its US$42 million regional jet, with just under 100 seats, from customers, including US regional groups Trans States Holdings and SkyWest, and Japan Airlines.
Japan had attempted to build a jet in the 1960s, which failed, was a 64-seat turboprop dubbed the YS-11.
The MRJ’s biggest selling point, Mitsubishi says, is the ability to burn 20 per cent less fuel than aircraft of similar size, thanks to new-generation engines from Pratt & Whitney.
Mitsubishi, which is also challenging Canada’s Bombardier, estimates demand for 5,000 regional jets over the next 20 years, of which it aims to capture half. Ascend puts its prospects closer to a fifth, and forecasts a market for 4,071 jets worth US$128.3 billion by 2033.
Embraer will supply 2,489 of those and Mitsubishi 913, with Bombardier and newcomers from Russia and China making up the rest, according to Ascend Flightglobal’s fleet forecast.
The MRJ’s biggest success could be helping Japanese industry win component supply deals, because it will prove to Boeing and Airbus Group that Japan is capable of taking on more work. That could help make up for less work building military aircraft.
