MRJ J-AIR

Japan Airlines (JAL) has selected Pratt & Whitney’s PW1200G engines to power its recently ordered 32 Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft.

The airline finalised its order with Mitsubishi Aircraft in January.

Under the deal, Pratt & Whitney will also provide fleet management support services for the engines.

Japan Airlines president Yoshiharu Ueki said: "We’re very excited to introduce the MRJ and geared turbofan engine as our next-generation regional aircraft fleet solution.

"The aircraft is claimed offer top-class operational benefits, as well as reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions."

"We believe the GTF engine technology will deliver strong cash operating cost improvements, environmental benefits and become a key enabler to our future regional network strategy."

JAL’s wholly-owned regional subsidiary J-AIR will operate the MRJ airliners, which are expected to be received in 2021. MRJ is a next-generation aircraft designed to accommodate 90 passengers.

The aircraft is claimed offer top-class operational benefits, as well as reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions.

Pratt & Whitney commercial engines president Greg Gernhardt said: "We are confident that our PW1200G engine will exceed MRJ operator expectations to not only reduce noise and environmental footprints, but also cut operational costs through reduced fuel consumption."

The company logged more than 6,200 orders for the PurePower geared turbofan engine family. Mitsubishi Aircraft is preparing to conduct first flight of the MRJ during the second quarter of 2015.

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