Mitsubishi Regional Jet

Mitsubishi Aircraft is to unveil its first Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) in Nagoya after years of delays.

MRJ will be Japan’s first passenger jet built by Mitsubishi Aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for 2017.

The passenger jet will feature Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower engine and advanced aerodynamics to cut down fuel consumption, noise, and emissions.

The 70-90-seat fuel-efficient lightweight carbon-fibre composite passenger plane will have spacious cabin with large overhead lockers.

The test flight of the plane is scheduled for the second quarter of 2015.

"The MRJ programme needs to prove that it can be competitive even up against the market leader."

Virginia-based consultant Teal Group president Richard Aboulafia was quoted by Bloomberg saying: "The rollout is a positive development, particularly useful for marketing.

"The MRJ order book is a good start for a new player. The MRJ programme needs to prove that it can be competitive even up against the market leader."

Mitsubishi Aircraft has already received 191 orders along with 184 additional purchase options from customers including All Nippon Airways, Trans State Holdings, SkyWest, Air Mandalay and Eastern Air Line.

Japan Airlines is also planning to order 32 of the jets that will be delivered in 2021.

Mitsubishi announced a plan to start building Japan’s first passenger jet in 2008, but test flight of the plane has been delayed several times previously.

Image: Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) is set to be unveiled soon. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation.