Mitsubishi launches first Japanese-made passenger jet

The first Japanese-made passenger jet embarked on its debut flight Wednesday, an event seen as signaling the country’s ambition to position itself as a major player in world aviation.

After a series of delays, the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) – Japan’s first new commercial aircraft for 50 years – for took off from Nagoya Airport in central Japan.

The 90-minute flight went smoothly.

Mitsubishi claims the jet, which comes in 78 and 92 seat versions, uses 20% less fuel than other aircraft in its class thanks to aerodynamic design.

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Mitsubishi Regional Jet —

The MRJ is Japan's first domestically produced commercial passenger aircraft for half a century.

Test flight —

Despite some initial delays, the MRJ's debut test flight went smoothly. The aircraft took off from central Japan's Nagoya Airport and flew for 90 minutes.

Better value? —

Mitsubishi claims the aerodynamic design of its aircraft gives it 20% greater fuel efficiency than other jets in its class.

Safe landing —

Pilots and crew of the MRJ are welcomed by ground staff at Nagoya after the test flight.

Pre-orders on the books —

Japan's largest carrier, All Nippon Airways has signed up to receive the first MRJ planes. It's ordered 15, but delivery is not expected until mid-2017.

Regional aircraft rivals —

The smaller sized regional aircraft is poised to compete against jets produced by Brazilian plane maker Embraer SA and Canada's Bombardier.

Seating plans —

Mitsubishi says the MRJ is to be produced in 78 and 92 seat variations.

Mitsubishi launches first Japanese-made passenger

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The smaller sized regional aircraft will put Mitsubishi in competition with Brazilian plane maker Embraer SA and Canada’s Bombardier, which dominate the market for passenger jets with fewer than 100 seats.

With Mitsubishi set to conduct more test flights, first delivery of the jet is not scheduled until mid-2017.

Japan’s largest carrier, All Nippon Airways has signed up to receive the first MRJ planes, having ordered 15.

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