Japanese aircraft’s maiden flight

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet finally took to the sky last Wednesday 11 November 50 years after the turboprop YS 11 became Japan's last passenger aircraft.  In a very competitive market the 92-seat aircraft has amassed just over 400 orders.

The maiden flight was first announced for the second quarter of 2012, but was delayed to 2013, and then further put back until spring 2014 due to delays in the procurement of engines.  Likewise the first delivery was planned to take place Q1 of 2014, but is now expected to be in 2017.

ANA is expected to take the first deliveries and rival Japan Air Lines also has the aircraft on order but does not anticipate the initial arrival until 2021.  The aircraft has a 2+2 cabin, similar to a rival, the latest version of the Embraer 190, called the E2 with airline service due in 2018.  Smaller versions of the Bombardier CSeries also feature in the market place.  www.flythemrj.com

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