New chapter in Japan’s aviation sector

KAMOKI: 

Japan unveiled its first passenger aircraft made in nearly four decades, as its manufacturers join the booming regional jet sector to take on industry giants Embraer and Bombardier.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a military contractor best known for its “Zero” World War II fighter, pulled back the curtain on its new Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) to offer passenger comfort with lower operating costs at a ceremony in Komaki near Nagoya.

The fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft will be delivered to customers from 2017, and has been built with assistance from aviation giant Boeing.

“The dream of a Japanese-made product that can be proudly presented to the world for top-notch efficiency and passenger comfort is finally coming true,” said Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Chairman Hideaki Omiya.

The plane marks a new chapter for Japan’s aviation sector, which last built a commercial airliner in 1962 — the YS-11 turboprop. Japanese firms were banned from developing aircraft by US occupiers following its defeat in World War II.

The country slowly started rebuilding its aviation industry in the 1950s, starting with carrying out repair work for the US military, before expanding to licensed production of US-developed aircraft for Japan’s military. Japanese firms have also long supplied parts to Boeing.

The government aims to expand firms’ foothold in the global aviation and military sectors as the domestic market shrinks due to a rapidly ageing population. The jet will compete with small aircraft produced by Brazil’s Embraer and Canada’s Bombardier.