Mitsubishi on target for 2013 delivery of first MRJ

Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp. is on schedule to deliver the first MRJ90 by 2013 to launch customer ANA, which has firm orders for 25, Executive VP Junichi Miyakawa said yesterday at the Regional Airline Assn. conference in Salt Lake City.

The company completed its preliminary design review in April with critical review scheduled to be finished by year end. First flight is anticipated in 2011.

Miyakawa said Mitsubishi, which is offering a 70-seat MRJ70 along with the 90-seat model, remains committed to both types. This week, Sukhoi International said it likely would not move ahead with its 75-seat Superjet owing to scant market interest (ATWOnline, May 20). Mitsubishi will be able to offer a stretch version up to 112 seats but not beyond, Miyakawa said: "That product won't go to the 120-seat range."

The MRJ70s/90s are targeted at specific markets for growth or replacement of 50-seat RJs or older Fokker and BAe 146 aircraft, he said. A cabin mockup complete with newly engineered, lightweight seating is on display at the RAA event.

Commenting on selection of the PW1000G engine for the MRJ, Miyakawa said, "It was a very tough decision for us to make. We had good proposals from every engine company."