Progresses of Mitsubishi Regional Jet aircraft

Mitsubishi Aircraft is looking to be in the public eye as much

this year, at a time in which is seeking to emphasize its
progress in the development of MRJ regional aircraft
programme, assuring clients that the first airplane flight will
take place in the second quarter of 2015.

Lack of orders in the past 19 months

The Japanese have something to
prove, in any case, since the
agendabook has not received an
increase in its deliveries from
late 2012, when finalized a
contract with Skywest Airlines
100 MRJ90. Another problem is the failure to date to attract Japanese
Airlines as customers. Although All Nippon Airways signed for MRJ, an
order from airlines of Japan would be a great step forward.

Photos of the progress of the aircraft

All eyes will be on Mitsubishi to see if it will be able to capture the
attention of the next air show at Farnborough. At the same show in
2012, the company surprised many by announcing commitment to
Sky West, and President Teruaki Kawai was caught saying "massive
discussions held with several airlines" for new orders.
At the Singapore Air Show in February, the Japanese manufacturer
has revealed some photos of the fuselage of the first MRJ test
aircraft. Photos 10001 with full fuselage, colored red, black and gold
Mitsubishi specific. Two months later, the company has released
images of the right wing who went to the final assembly. Mitsubishi
unveiled last week the fuselage connection with the completion of
the first wing of the five test aircraft - and announced that the Pratt
& Whitney PW1200G engine is ready for installation.
Mitsubishi recently said Flight International magazine that it is
"satisfied" with the "step by step" progress of first flight. In any case,
the program still requires the completion of three major tasks before
it takes off: static power tests, qualification of equipment and
components and software verification.

Competition
Mitsubishi company seeks, at least after executives words, to reach
the promised specifications and efficiency. This includes a 20%
reduction in fuel consumption compared to other regional aircraft.
However, MRJ's target will not be devoid of
turbulence. The aircraft will enter a
crowded competitive landscape with
airplanes such as: Comac ARJ21 and
Sukhoi Superjet 100. Mitsubishi has to
contend with Bombardier, which launches
in this segment CSeries aircraft, the
nearest competitor. Embraer E-Jet will
launch E2 line in 2018-2020. Indeed, the Embraer MRJ advantage
was lost by delays that have reached 15 months. This makes the MRJ
to enter into service just a year ahead of E190 E2 - where the two
aircraft manufacturers maintain the plan.
The aircraft is the first commercial airliner designed and built by
Mitsubishi and the first commercial aircraft certified by the Japanese
authorities lately. Delays came with the cost of developing a new
design. Lack of new orders in the past 19 months may come against
a refusal to commit - until the aircraft will achieve the promised
goals.
More than gain new orders, Mitsubishi must ensure that those
existing customers keep their commitment to MRJ. This is the reason
why Mitsubishi is trying to attract attention on each phase of the
development process.