Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MITAC) on 22 Aug announced a revised schedule of its Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) program. According to t...
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MITAC) on 22 Aug announced a revised schedule of its Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) program. According to the new schedule, the first flight of MRJ is slated for 2Q CY2015-delaying for more than a year with first delivery in 2Q CY2017.
Earlier the first flight was scheduled for 4Q CY2013, and first delivery between summer CY2015 and 1Q CY2016.
Mitsubishi in a statement said,
"In 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."
"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."
The MRJ is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation regional jets that will offer both top-class operational economy and outstanding cabin comfort.
The MRJ will have a four-abreast seat configuration, with large overhead bins, and also feature a slim seat that offers heightened comfort to passengers.
Mitsubishi has a backlog for 165 firm orders with 160 options.
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is capitalized at 100 billion yen, with financing furnished by, among others, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation,Sumitomo Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
