Mitsubishi Regional Jet, the first aircraft that is designed and produced in Japan in over half a century recently had its debut official rollout on October 19th. According to the article, this midsize aircraft was created due to help from state as well as other companies such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

The new jet will have its first flight sometime next year and will have its first deliveries sometime starting in 2017.

So far 400 orders have been made worldwide for MRJ’s even some coming from United States airlines “which agreed  to pay up to [forty 70-90 seat aircrafts]”. JAL on the other hand has agreed to buy 35 for the intent of strengthening it’s domestic services and establishing fuel-efficient jets. MRJ which has a small capacity of 70-90 passenger is a likely alternative to the bigger aircrafts. In addition, smaller aircrafts are economical meaning the airlines will likely receive higher benefit during winter season.

All of this shows that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is inventing a product that (although not original), is sustaining innovation and one that’s focused on lower cost.

Link to article and image:

Nagoya. “Japan’s First Homegrown Airliner Finally Unveiled.” Japan Times RSS. N.p., 18 Oct. 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/18/business/japans-first-homegrown-airliner-finally-unveiled/#.VEmJ44tjMVh