Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation which manufactures the Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) was quite active during the Farnborough International Airshow, engaging not just the customers but the media too with constant updates on the delayed programme and market. On the opening day, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Miami-based Eastern Air Lines Group for 20 firm orders for the MRJ-90 with purchase rights for an additional 20. It was an important win for MRJ which is keen on expanding its global footprint. Teruaki Kawai, President and COO, Mitsubishi Aircraft summed up the deal “This announcement encourages us to further boost our sales activity around the world.”

It also signed an aircraft purchase agreement with Air Mandalay Limited (AML) for a firm order for six MRJ-90 with purchase rights for an additional four aircraft. Air Mandalay is a Myanmar-based airline, currently operating three regional turboprops and seeking to expand its fleet capabilities with introduction of regional jets. Till date, 325 MRJ are on order, including 25 (15 firm, 10 option) from All Nippon Airways Co, Ltd, 100 (50 firm, 50 option) from Trans States Holdings, Inc and 200 (100 firm, 100 option) from SkyWest, Inc. MRJ is a family of 70- to 90-seat next-generation aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s revolutionary PurePower engine and state-of-the-art aerodynamics to significantly reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions, while offering top-class operational benefits, an outstanding cabin designed for heightened passenger flying comfort and large overhead bins.

In an interview with SP’s Aviation at Farnborough, the Executive Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Masao Yamagami opined that the regional aviation market would flourish as several countries were ‘unlocking’ the potential of air transportation.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Congratulations on the orders at Farnborough, while one is from the US the other is from Asia, which market is showing promise?

Masao Yamagami (Yamagami): We are not looking at any one particular market as we need to have a global footprint. However, being in the Asian region, we expect the Asian market to prop up our sales in the near future. The reason is all evident – Asian economies are likely to grow faster than any others in the years ahead. Presently, in Asia, narrow-body aircraft dominate the scene. However, with the opening up of the skies, point-to-point travel will considerably expand and consequently the demand for regional aircraft will grow. This development is likely to happen in the next four to five years and MRJ is perfectly placed to cash in on such a scenario.

SP’s: Is India on the radar of MRJ’s global strategy?

Yamagami: Certainly. No aircraft manufacturer can ignore India. It is a huge market and we are keen to serve the market at the earliest. We have been talking to all the airlines in India, but you know what the situation with airlines in India is (referring to bleeding of airlines). We have approached all of them – SpiceJet, IndiGo, GoAir, Air India, Jet Airways. All of them appreciate the capabilities of the MRJ, but have not yet taken decisions on their regional aviation plans.

SP’s: What are the factors hindering MRJ in India?

Yamagami: There are several factors affecting the growth of airlines in India and they include high taxation, inadequate infrastructure, etc. As for OEMs, the problem is not just for MRJ of entering the market here, it is for all. I am sure there is now greater understanding in India of how regional aviation can play a decisive role in economic growth.

SP’s: MRJ is plagued by delays, what is the update?

Yamagami: Yes, we have revised the schedule, but we are now on track. Only last month, the PurePower PW1200G engines have been mounted on the MRJ first flight test aircraft. This engine mount is a significant milestone. The first flight as we have already announced is slated for second quarter of 2015 and the first delivery to second quarter of 2017.