MRJ J-AIR

Japan Airlines (JAL) has finalised a deal with Mitsubishi Aircraft to purchase 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircrafts.

JAL and Mitsubishi signed a letter of intent (LoI) in August 2014.

Planned to be operated by JAL’s wholly-owned regional subsidiary J-AIR, the MRJ airliners are expected to be delivered in 2021.

JAL president Yoshiharu Ueki said: "JAL will operate the MRJ as the key aircraft of its regional jet fleet, and remains committed to providing the best services to our customers by achieving steady network expansions and improving products and services quality.

"As a network carrier that also operates regional jets, we are contributing to the birth of Japan’s first passenger jet."

"Planned to be operated by JAL’s wholly-owned regional subsidiary J-AIR, the MRJ airliners are expected to be delivered in 2021."

JAL said it will evaluate performance of the MRJ and Mitsubishi Aircraft’s proposals for operational support.

Mitsubishi Aircraft president Teruaki Kawai said: "The MRJ, the next-generation regional jet, drastically reduces fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, while offering top-class operational benefits for airlines, including the JAL Group."

The company received 407 orders for MRJ, including 223 firm orders, 160 option, and 24 purchase rights.

Mitsubishi Aircraft commenced full-scale testing of MRJ in preparation for first flight during the second quarter of 2015.

Majority owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Aircraft partners include Mitsubishi, Toyota Motor, Sumitomo, and Mitsui.

Image: The new MRJ will be operated by JAL’s wholly-owned regional subsidiary J-AIR. Photo: courtesy of Japan Airlines.